January 21, 2025
U.S. authorities have arrested three individuals, including two Philippine nationals and a California resident, for orchestrating a $44 million scheme that defrauded more than 800 elderly authors.
Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, 32, founder and CEO of Innocentrix Philippines and chairman of the Hiyas ng Pilipinas beauty pageant, and Bryan Navales Tarosa, 34, vice president of operations at Innocentrix Philippines, were apprehended in San Diego, California, on December 9, 2024. A third suspect, Gemma Traya Austin, 58, was arrested in Chula Vista, California, on December 12, 2024.
The Alleged Scheme
The scam allegedly began in 2017, with employees of Innocentrix Philippines contacting elderly authors via unsolicited calls and emails. According to the indictment, the defendants impersonated representatives of PageTurner, a supposed publishing company with ties to literary agents, movie studios, and streaming platforms. Victims were persuaded to pay fees for taxes, services, and transaction costs under the pretense that their books had been selected for adaptation into films or TV series.
However, the promises were fabricated, leaving the victims with significant financial losses and shattered dreams of Hollywood success.
Legal Charges and Penalties
The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, which carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. They are also charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, which could result in an additional 20 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $500,000 or twice the amount laundered.
Defense Claims
Gemma Austin’s attorney, Peter Blair, argued that she was not the mastermind behind the scam but was manipulated by her nephew, Sordilla. “She wasn’t sophisticated enough to see the potential red flags,” Blair stated, adding that Austin believed Sordilla was a legitimate and successful businessman.
Sordilla and Tarosa, both residents of the Philippines, were in the U.S. at the time of their arrest. No official statements have been issued by Innocentrix Philippines or the Hiyas ng Pilipinas beauty pageant.
Asset Forfeiture
Authorities have frozen several assets connected to the scam, including $3.5 million from a PageTurner bank account, $904,000 from Austin’s account, and a $670,000 house in Chula Vista.
Government and Legal Representation
The government is represented by U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson. Defense attorneys include Peter Blair for Austin, Monico of Sevens Legal APC for Sordilla, and Sebastian Swain-Gil of the Federal Defenders of San Diego for Tarosa.
A Warning to Authors
“This scheme turned the dream of a Hollywood blockbuster into a devastating nightmare for many victims,” said Southern California U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. She urged authors to thoroughly research offers and be cautious of unsolicited promises.
Case Details
The case, USA v. Austin et al., is filed as case number 3:24-cr-02712 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
This high-profile case serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by fraudulent schemes, particularly those targeting vulnerable individuals like elderly authors. Investigations are ongoing.
