Hawaiian Fake Promoter Sentenced

Turk Cazimero, a Hawaiian promoter who pleaded guilty to wire fraud offenses, has been sentenced to eight years in prison.  

Police booking photo – Turk Cazimero

Cazimero operated Hawaiian Hurricane Productions, which promoted concerts and special events, including surfing competitions, according to KHON-TV News. He promised investors either high rates of return, ownership in the concerts or a chance to be corporate sponsors, according to KHON-TV, and racked up $901,000 from them.  He spent the money on his own living expense or to pay back earlier investors.

He admitted to promoting fake concerts, one of which was the “Vans Warped DJ Tour.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office said some of his victims took out home equity loans, lost life savings and retirement accounts and suffered emotional distress leading to depression and divorce.

Cazimero was convicted in 2003 of state securities fraud violations, was giving probation and authorities say he began his federal violations almost immediately, according to KHON-TV.