Concert Scammer Gets Probation

A promoter has been sentenced to a year’s probation and ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution for a bogus Lil’ Flip concert last April in Terre Haute, Ind.

Scott Elkins pleaded guilty to two counts of theft in Vigo County Courthouse April 10th, according to Terre Haute’s Tribune-Star. The agreement included 15 days in jail as time served. Elkins pleaded guilty last July to charges stemming from a similar incident in Fargo, N.D., regarding a bogus Lil’ Jon show and was sentenced to 45 days in jail and two years probation.

“He said he’s sorry the incident happened. He’s made full restitution,” Elkins attorney Bill Smock told the paper, adding that his client has promoted hundreds of legitimate concerts.

Elkins’ theft charges were reduced from felonies to class-A misdemeanors as long as he commits no crimes while on probation, according to the Tribune-Star.

Lil’ Flip, whose real name is Wesley Eric Weston, was supposedly scheduled to perform along with local acts at the “Lil’ Flip Fest Spring 2005” at the Wabash County Fairgrounds April 2, 2005, but the rapper never showed up. A local retailer had sold 741 tickets at $20 each, according to the Indiana Statesman.

Prior to the concert, a man presenting himself as Bobby West of Bobby West Productions picked up the ticket proceeds.

Elkins was also charged for a similar Lil’ Jon concert scam that took place in New Mexico in 2004.