PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A former manager of a Washington-based company that produced and sold grass seed and turfgrass to independent Oregon growers has admitted to mislabeling and pyramid schemes that defrauded customers and netted him more than $12 million.
52-year-old Christopher Claypool of Spokane pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
When Claypool is sentenced in June, prosecutors will seek a four-year prison term if he follows the conditions of his release, including paying $8.3 million in restitution plus unpaid taxes.