Hip-Hop Scammer Sentenced

Scott Elkins, the man accused of promoting a bogus rap concert in Fargo, N.D., last year, was sentenced July 11th to 45 days in jail and two years probation.

Authorities said Elkins left about 700 Lil’ Jon ticket holders waiting for a show at Fargo venue Playmakers that never happened. Investigators believe he collected about $12,000 in cash from local ticket vendors before calling off the concert.

He has repaid $12,000 to the North Dakota Attorney General for refunds.

Defense attorney Mark Friese said his client is a legitimate promoter whose Fargo show was beset by misunderstandings.

Judge Georgia Dawson followed the prosecutor’s recommendation for sentencing, which gave Elkins credit for the 20 days in jail he served after his arrest. She denied a request from Elkins’ attorney that would have let the felony theft conviction become a misdemeanor on his record.

Elkins still faces prosecution for two other concerts thought to be scams: Lil’ Jon in New Mexico in July 2004 and Lil’ Flip in Terre Haute, Ind., in April.