Mr. Schiff: More than 2,000 children and parents deceived,
ripped off and disappointed...
Ms. Orihuela: "There was a holiday event called
'Christmas Around the World.' It was scheduled
to happen in December of 2003 at the convention
center here in Miami."
Mr. Schiff: FBI Special Agent Judy Orihuela...
Ms. Orihuela: "But it never took place despite
the promoter receiving thousands of dollars to
stage the event."
Mr. Schiff: Orihuela says the promoter was indicted...
Ms. Orihuela: "He was charged with eight counts
of mail fraud."
Mr. Schiff: Orihuela says the event was promoted as a "Once
in a Lifetime Christmas Show for Children"...
Ms. Orihuela: "It was supposed to include a spectacular
stage show with live reindeer, a lunchtime feats
with a harry Potter lookalike and gifts for every
child. And it was also supposed to have ambassadors
from 28 different countries."
Mr. Schiff: When the kids and moms and dads showed up, the
convention center was locked tight. Eventually
the promoter surrendered. He was convicted and
sentence to 6-1/2 years in prison and ordered
to pay $38,00 in restitution. I'm Neal Schiff
of the Bureau and that's the FBI's Closed Case
of the Week.
