Crime & Safety

Novato Man Indicted for Internet Fraud Pleas Guilty

Accused of stealing more than $1 million from residents after selling them domain names and offering Internet services

A Novato man who was indicted on charges of stealing $1.3 million from residents has taken a plea deal, the Marin Independent Journal is reporting.

John Winston Boone, 50, a Hamilton resident, has pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, in which prosecutors allege he scammed victims by fraudulently offering website domain names for sale, along with web training and other services, according to the story. He was arrested in November 2012.

Authorities say Boone gave customers falsified financial documents and PayPal records. When the customers realized they were not getting revenue, Boone cut off contact with them and did not return their money, according to the indictment.

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Boone faces up to 40 years in prison and $500,000 in fines, according to the plea agreement.

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