Phony Promoter Jailed

A Wisconsin man who admitted to bilking investors out of $1 million by claiming to represent an up-and-coming band was sentenced June 23rd to three years in prison, seven years of supervision and five years of probation.

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge John Fiorenza gave Thomas Anderson the sentence in exchange for pleading no contest in March to two counts of felony theft and two counts of making false statements in the sale of securities, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Under the plea agreement, the judge dismissed 29 other counts against Anderson but those counts were to be considered at sentencing.

According to court records, Anderson’s intrigue began in 2003 when he claimed to represent the then-Tasty Wonton (since renamed Bascom Hill) through his Head West production company and was looking for investors to help kickstart the band’s career.

However, Anderson reportedly blew the $1 million on private jets, parties, cars and cocaine in about 18 months. He admitted to the ruse after he was confronted by the band members and the investors on his spending habits, the Journal Sentinel said.

A hearing to determine how much restitution Anderson must pay is scheduled for September 26th.