TV pitchman, in custody, found dead
Phoenix-based TV pitchman Donald Lapre, who was charged with running a nationwide scheme to sell essentially worthless Internet-based businesses, was found dead in his jail cell Sunday morning, according to authorities. Credit: Photo by HANDOUT
A U.S. Marshals Service spokesman says a Phoenix-based TV pitchman charged with running a nationwide scheme to sell essentially worthless Internet-based businesses has died in an apparent suicide while in federal custody.
Spokesman Matt Hershey says Donald Lapre was found dead in his cell at a Florence facility Sunday morning. His trial was scheduled to begin today.
Hershey says the death remains under investigation.
A grand jury indicted Lapre in June on 41 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and promotional money laundering.
He was accused of overseeing and promoting the opportunity through his company called "The Greatest Vitamin in the World." The government says at least 220,000 victims in the scheme were defrauded of nearly $52 million.
-- AP
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Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
