Baton Rouge filmmaker admits to defrauding the state’s film tax credit program in 2010 and 2011
In yet another blow to the beleaguered program, Baton Rouge movie maker George Kostuch admitted in a federal courtroom Tuesday that he falsified invoices to receive Louisiana’s film tax credits.
The 46-year-old Kostuch pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud that accused him of penning checks for nearly $540,000 in false expenses, which led to his company — K2 Pictures — receiving more than $161,000 in tax credits from the state in 2010 and 2011.
Kostuch’s admission of guilt in Baton Rouge federal court came two weeks after a New Orleans federal court jury convicted Hollywood producer Peter Hoffman, his wife, Susan Hoffman, and New Orleans lawyer Michael Arata of defrauding the film tax credit program. The three business partners will be sentenced in August.
U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick did not set a sentencing date for Kostuch. She ordered a presentence investigation and report.
Read more: http://theadvocate.com/news/12353212-123/baton-rouge-film-maker-admits
[font color=green]The article continues with more instances of corruption.[/font]