Plainview resident Gilbert Solnin was recently arrested by U.S. Postal Inspectors for allegedly defrauding dozens of advertising and marketing agencies out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to federal court documents, Solnin allegedly defrauded companies from all over the United States out of approximately $400,000 while claiming to represent beverage companies that he was not in fact affiliated with.
“On about and between December 1, 2007 and February 11,
2011, both dates being approximate and inclusive, within the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere, the defendant Gilbert Solnin did knowingly and intentionally devise a scheme and artifice to defraud and obtain money by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises and, for the purpose of executing this scheme and artifice, did knowingly and intentionally place and cause to be placed in a post office and authorized depository for mail matter, matters and things to be sent and delivered by the United States Postal Service and private and commercial interstate carriers,” stated Eric Oram, postal inspector, in an affidavit dated Feb. 11.
Solnin allegedly took money from advertising and marketing agencies in increments of $3,500 to $8,000 from his Plainview home, claiming that he had a promising opportunity within the beverage industry for said companies to partake in. Allegedly, after soliciting the money, Solnin would then break contact, and use many excuses for his lack of response when individuals from these companies attempted to track him down; he allegedly complained of taking part in a bad car accident, losing his cell phone, being subject to a series of dizzy spells, and being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In addition, when the agencies realized they had been victimized, Solnin allegedly sent them e-mails threatening legal action.
“The promised venture never in fact comes to pass,” stated Oram.
Court records show that Solnin is accused of defrauding agencies from all over the country, in areas such as New York, Seattle, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, and many cities in California.
The defendant could not be reached for comment.
