[MSN] Satellite TV host guilty in bogus artwork scam

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Satellite TV host guilty in bogus artwork scam
Kristine Eubanks admits to conspiracy and tax evasion in scheme that 
defrauded customers of more than $20 million.
 >From the Associated Press
April 11, 2007

A satellite TV show host has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming 
from an investigation into bogus artwork sold through televised auctions 
that defrauded customers of more than $20 million.

Kristine Eubanks, 49, of La Cañada Flintridge pleaded guilty Monday in a 
Los Angeles courtroom to one count each of conspiracy and tax evasion. 
She faces up to 10 years in prison when she is sentenced Sept. 24, 
prosecutors said.

Eubanks' husband, Gerald Sullivan, 51, pleaded guilty April 2 to one 
count each of conspiracy and failing to file tax returns. He faces up to 
six years in prison at sentencing in September.

Authorities said the couple acknowledged duping more than 10,000 
customers through their "Fine Art Treasures Gallery" show, which aired 
on DirecTV and Dish Network.

The couple also said they rigged auctions by creating false and inflated 
bids for art and jewelry sold during the live auctions, prosecutors said.

Nearly $4 million and various pieces of artwork were seized when the 
couple were arrested.

http://www.calendarlive.com/galleriesandmuseums/cl-me-artfraud11apr11,0,1912386.story?coll=cl-art-features