Producer and creator of film distribution company Aviron, William Sadleira, 66, was arrested in Los Angeles. He is accused of having embezzled a total of more than 30 million dollars, notably appropriating funds intended to help businesses in difficulty during the pandemic. He was taken into custody by the United States Federal Police (FBI) following two separate complaints from California and New York.
Former boss of Riron Pictures, an independent film distributor, accused in California of fraudulent loan applications for more than $ 1.7 million from a federal fund set up during the pandemic , according to the prosecutors in charge of the case.
The sexagenarian would have made false declarations, claiming to be still at the head of the company, in order to obtain these financings on advantageous conditions. William Sadleir, who founded Aviron Pictures in 2017, was removed from his role as president last year.
The company has produced or distributed only six films so far, including “After”, a romantic drama released in 2019. If convicted of the four charges against him in California, he could face a penalty of up to up to 82 years’ imprisonment. He also faces up to 42 years in prison for New York complaints.
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