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March 12, 2008

Opening statements today in Kluth flim-flam case

Opening statements are set for today in the trial of a former Newport fisherman who prosecutors say swindled more than 30 people each out of sums up to $5,200.

Thirty-eight people have accused John P. Kluth, 48, of scamming them by asking for money for what police say was a fictional broken-down lobster truck.

One accuser has since died, one is sick, one retracted his allegation and two will not return to the state for trial according to the prosecutor. In all, 32 people are accusing Kluth of scamming them.

For each of the 32 complaints, he faces 20 felony counts of obtaining money under false pretenses from a person over the age of 65 involving a sum of $500 or less; 4 felony counts of obtaining money under false pretenses from a person over the age of 65 involving a sum of more than $500; 7 misdemeanor counts of obtaining money from a person 65 or younger of $500 or less; and one felony count of obtaining money from a person 65 or younger, more than $500.

Extra: Hear Kluth talk to Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 11:12 AM | Permalink

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