Kasey Anderson, of Kasey Anderson & The Honkies, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in the US. The Portland-born, sometimes-Seattle-based, artist has been accused of masterminding a scheme that fleeced 30 investors of $US526,000.
The Seattle Times reports that Anderson hooked investors through various fraudulent charity projects, including what he claimed was a benefit album in support of the West Memphis Three.
Anderson informed potential investors that the album would feature contributions from Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Tom Waits, Lady Gaga, REM, Foo Fighters, Willie Nelson and Johnny Depp among others.
Not only did he create a myriad of fake email accounts to carry out the illusion of high profile participation, Anderson told investors that the project would cost $206,000 and that he was putting half the amount himself. He then promised each target that they would see a return of $500,000 for a $103,000 investment.
The sting should have revealed itself to those with induustry knowledge once Anderson revealed his projected figures. He claimed the album - which he dubbed Trapped Like A Ghost - would sell 85,000 copies and be downloaded 100,000 times.
Anderson will be sentenced on November 22.
