Thirteen sentenced in telemarketing fraud

Thirteen men, including two former owners, connected with a now-defunct Las Vegas telemarketing company were sentenced this week on racketeering and conspiracy charges.

Christopher Easley and Richard Secchiaroli, former owners of Pioneer Enterprises, were ordered to pay almost $21 million each in restitution. In addition, U.S. District Judge Edward Reed sentenced Easley to 57 months in prison and Secchiaroli to a 51-month prison term. The men pleaded guilty in April.

The two were accused of running an operation from 1983 to 1992 in which customers were told they could win prizes if they bought various products from Pioneer such as key chains and vitamins. Prices ranged from $499 to $2,500 and prosecutors believe the company took about $80 million from customers.

Though the promised prizes included a Cadillac and a diamond bracelet, most customers received prizes of little value.

Also sentenced this week:

* Thomas Passanisi received a sentence of 37 months and was ordered to pay $5 million in restitution.

* Jordan Bailey was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay about $1.3 million in restitution.

* Kenneth Church was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.7 million in restitution.

* Vito J. Russo was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution.

* Michael Grayson was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $1 million restitution.

* Eric Pritchett was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution.

* James Schwartz was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution.

* Anthony Catalfamo was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $833,000 in restitution.

* Harry Spero was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $1 million in restitution.

* Ken Fenstra was sentenced to five months in prison and ordered to pay $858,000 in restitution.

* Jerry Johnston was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay $557,000 in restitution.

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