United States v. Eberts

Christopher Eberts, a Canadian citizen and U.S. permanent resident, is a film producer whose notable credits include Lord of War (2005) and Lucky Number Slevin (2006). But after producing a string of failed movies, in 2009 he filed for bankruptcy. He also convinced a novice author from Illinois to wire him over $600,000 so that Eberts could adapt his book into a movie. Eberts instead used that money to buy lavish personal items, and his actions led to criminal charges. He pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud, see 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and three counts of money laundering, see id. § 1957,…