Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings films, miniature collector and uber-fan, patronized Detroit suburb’s Michigan Toy Soldier shop for his collecting needs. Store owner Rick Berry paid Jackson back by running up $189,000 in fraudulent charges on Jackson’s American Express credit card.
Berry claimed he needed the money to keep his suffering business afloat after a business partner embezzled money from his shop, leaving him in dire straits.
Berry also claims he didn’t believe Jackson would notice the unauthorized charges, most of which were used to buy more merchandise for Michigan Toy Soldier. He says he intended to pay the money back when his business recovered.
Someone is ethically challenged.
Berry pled guilty to the charges and will be sentenced next week.
Mr Jackson is in hospital undergoing surgery for an ulcer.
Hat tip: Mike Duffey
I’ve got an attic full of LOTR sculptures, booty from a hobby seller who embezzled money from me, too. It’s nice to know I have something else in common with Peter Jackson!
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