Hollywood Hustler: Producer Accused of $12M Scam

LOS ANGELES – David Raymond Brown, 39, formerly of the San Fernando Valley, is facing a 21-count federal indictment alleging a brazen $12 million fraud scheme targeting independent film projects and unsuspecting investors. The ex-movie industry insider, now residing in West Columbia, South Carolina, allegedly siphoned funds for a lavish lifestyle while leaving film productions starved and victims financially ruined.

The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury on August 20th, details a complex web of deceit spanning from December 2021 to August 2025. Brown, who previously went by “David Brown Levy” and “David Addison Brown,” worked as a producer, unit production manager, and production accountant, positions that afforded him access to company funds he allegedly exploited. He’s charged with nine counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of transactional money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

Federal prosecutors allege Brown misappropriated funds from film production companies, diverting money into accounts he controlled. To conceal his theft, he established Hollywood Covid Testing LLC, a Studio City-based company, and falsely billed film productions for COVID-19 testing services that were either never provided or already paid for. This allowed him to funnel money away from legitimate expenses and into his own pockets. The scheme extended beyond film, ensnaring two individuals identified as “Victim 1” and “Victim 2.”

Brown pitched “Victim 1” a house-flipping venture, contributing minimal capital while siphoning off the victim’s funds for personal use. Similarly, he convinced “Victim 2” to invest in Film Holdings Capital, promising loans for film projects. Instead, prosecutors say, Brown used the majority of Victim 2’s money to prop up his lifestyle and repay earlier victims – a classic Ponzi scheme. To further bolster his credibility and attract more investment, Brown even presented a falsified IMDb profile, claiming it as his own.

The indictment paints a picture of extravagant spending. Brown allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase a 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, three Teslas (including a 2024 Cybertruck), and finance a $99,000 pool installation at his home. He also purchased a house for his mother, made payments to family members, and spent over $70,000 on surrogacy services and private school tuition. A significant portion—over $970,000—was earmarked for “Untitled SLA,” a film project based on the infamous 1974 Patricia Hearst kidnapping.

Brown made his initial court appearance in Columbia, South Carolina today. He’s expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles in the coming weeks. The Department of Justice is seeking full restitution for the victims and a substantial prison sentence for Brown, who stands accused of systematically betraying the trust of those who believed in his vision – and funded his greed. The case serves as a stark reminder that even in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, fraud and deceit can thrive.