PHOENIX (AP) - The owner of a Phoenix telemarketing company is facing the first criminal prosecution under a newly amended state statute.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office says Lukeroy Rose pleaded guilty to making unlawful telephone solicitations that targeted elderly persons across the country for two years.
Prosecutors say Rose Marketing asked people to invest in fake work-from-home business opportunities.
At least 16 people victims invested between $3,000 and $40,000.
Rose was indicted last May on charges of conspiracy, illegally conducting an enterprise, participating in a criminal syndicate, fraudulent schemes and artifices, theft and money laundering.
Under a plea agreement, Rose is facing a five-year prison sentence.
The Arizona Telephone Solicitations statute amended last August.
It now is a felony for unregistered telemarketers to make unlawful calls to in-state and out-of-state consumers.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.