Missing Businessman Charged In $50 Million Fraud
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The U.S. Attorney says it's one of the worst telemarketing scams Maryland's ever seen.
Now, a Lutherville man faces federal charges but as they were closing in on him he disappeared!
Ava-joye Burnett has more.
Police say they are looking for 52-year-old Brian Keith Wallen, who's accused of running a $50-million telemarketing scam.
"When you see a scheme like this, it's shocking that they were able to succeed for so long," said Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein.
According to the federal complaint, Wallen--under the disguise of several companies based in Reisterstown--would call up businesses between 2010 and 2014 and ship products the companies didn't even order. Then the bill would come in the mail.
"The product they allegedly shipped were light bulbs and cleaning supplies," said Rosenstein.
Prosecutors allege churches, schools and even homeless shelters were victimized.
After hundreds of complaints the FTC shut down the businesses.
But then last month Wallen's lawyer told police he received what sounded like a good bye letter from his client.
Baltimore County police found Wallen's vehicle along this roadway near Loch Raven Reservoir, it was empty.
Police are now asking the public for their help to find him.
But why did it take so long to make an arrest?
"Typically when we have complex fraud schemes, it takes a long time to gather sufficient evidence to prove a criminal case," says Rosentein. "Once somebody is wanted on a federal criminal complaint and a warrant is out for their arrest, typically, we find them."
Wallen has been charged with mail fraud which is a federal crime.
If he's found and if he's convicted, he could get up to 20 years in prison.
Police believe there could be other suspects connected this case.
Anyone with information on Wallen is asked to call police.