November 11, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Criminal charges filed against director of 2009 film “Not Forgotten”

The poster for "Not Forgotten."
The poster for “Not Forgotten.”

Remember the 2009 movie “Not Forgotten” starring Simon Baker? Well six-dozen criminal charges were filed against its film director and an insurance agent who allegedly bilked more than $21 million from investors for the movie, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced today.

Dror Soref, 65, and Michelle Seward, 43, are charged with 56 counts of securities fraud, 15 counts of sale of unregistered securities and one count each of device, scheme or artifice to defraud a securities transaction, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The two pleaded not guilty and are due back in court Nov. 16, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require them to stand trial.

Seward allegedly gave presentations where potential investors were encouraged to invest their life savings or equity in their homes, according to Deputy District Attorney Renee Cartaya.

Investors bought unqualified, non-exempt securities to help raise money for the film, and were promised double-digit returns on investments that carried no risk, according to the prosecutor.

Soref and Seward are accused of using money from new investors to pay other investors, along with paying themselves and their employees, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The alleged Ponzi scheme ran from 2007 to 2010 and involved nearly 140 investors — most of whom were elderly, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Some of the alleged victims lost as much as $395,000, authorities said.

If convicted as charged, Soref and Seward face more than 75 years in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Soref wrote and directed “Not Forgotten.”

 

in Crime, News
Related Posts

8 Things to Do in Big Bear Lake: A Local’s Guide to Adventure and Relaxation

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a true gem for nature lovers, families, and adventurers alike....

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Coming to Culver City on Nov. 12

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Get Free Vaccine Shots for All Ages—No Appointment Needed Culver City, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of...

Starbucks Kicks Off the Holidays with Festive Cups, New Drinks, and a Special Surprise

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Returning Classics, Cran-Merry Refreshers, and Expanded Pastry Selections on Thursday Starbucks is ringing in the holiday season with the return...

Lei’d Cookies in Culver City Offers Sweet In-Store Discount For a Challenging Week

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Handcrafted Flavors, Community Spirit: Enjoy Lei’d Cookies’ Limited-Time Offer Lei’d Cookies, a popular dessert spot in Culver City’s Hayden Tract...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...

L.A. County Election Results: Preliminary Counts as of 4:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Westside Residents Weigh on Representatives, Ballot Measures, Judges and More As of 4:00 a.m., voters in Los Angeles County weighed...

Culver City Municipal Election Results as of Wednesday, November 6 at 1:21 a.m

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Preliminary Results in the Latest Election for Culver City as Votes Are Tabulated In the latest results from the Culver...

Police Seek Suspect in Vandalism of Jewish-Owned Businesses in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson Neighborhood

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Authorities Investigate Series of Early Morning Attacks as Hate Crime Police are actively searching for a suspect accused of vandalizing...

Driver Arrested in Culver City for Narcotics Possession and Unregistered Firearm

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Early Morning Traffic Stop Reveals Suspected Drugs and Loaded Gun A traffic stop early Friday morning led to the arrest...

High Alert: L.A. County Braces for Extreme Fire Weather and Powerful Winds

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Residents Urged To Prepare as Red Flag Warning Goes into Effect  The Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and...

The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

Election Day Freebies and Discounts: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch Election Results

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

From Free Doughnuts To Watch Parties, How To Unwind With Election Night Deals With this election day being one of...