Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, Mark Miller, 40, of Maitland, Fla., has been indicted on 7 felony counts of criminal contempt in connection with the operation of a fraudulent vending machine business opportunity.
According to the indictment, Miller and his representatives allegedly told customers that for purchase prices of $2,500 or more, they would receive snack and drink vending machines and be able to place them in profitable locations through the use of Miller’s locating services.
However, the indictment alleges that Miller violated a 2003 federal court order by selling vending machine business ventures out of Seminole and Orange Counties in Florida from at least April 2005 through at least April 2007, making various misrepresentations when he sold the ventures, and using an alias to do so.
The indictment further alleges that Miller’s customers complained to him and his representatives about not receiving purchased vending machines or locating services. Miller allegedly refused to give refunds and instead told, and instructed employees to tell, complaining customers false stories about the reasons for his not providing the promised business ventures.
Miller’s violations allegedly cost consumers more than $450,000.
Assistant Attorney General Tony West commended the efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which investigated the criminal case. The case is being prosecuted by trial attorney Mark Josephs of the Civil Division’s Office of Consumer Litigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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