Five Rolls-Royces, a Hollywood star’s plea, and millions in stolen funds just landed a director behind bars. A federal judge handed down the sentence against Carl Rinsch after weighing fraud, mental health struggles, and an unexpected character witness.
Keanu Reeves’ leniency request precedes 30-month sentence for Carl Rinsch
Federal Judge Jed Rakoff sentenced director Carl Rinsch to 30 months in prison on Monday, Variety and TheWrap reported. A jury had convicted Rinsch of wire fraud and money laundering in December for defrauding Netflix of $11 million. Rakoff stated the director never intended to finish his sci-fi series White Horse and instead sought to “cover it up through money laundering and lies.”
However, prosecutors had initially pushed for a five-year sentence. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said Rinsch “orchestrated a scheme to steal millions by seeking $11 million from a subscription streaming service, falsely claiming that money would be used to finance a television show.” Clayton further added that “today’s sentence sends a deterrent message: fraud will not be tolerated.”
Meanwhile, Rinsch’s defense introduced mental health evidence that influenced Rakoff’s decision. Defense attorney Daniel McGuinness explained Rinsch “was under the care of a doctor” during production who “was not doing what he was supposed to be doing.” Rakoff also acknowledged some purchases, including five Rolls-Royces, suggested “someone who has a manic state of mind beyond simple greed.”
Additionally, Keanu Reeves submitted a letter calling for “leniency and mercy” at sentencing. Reeves wrote that he participated in “an effort in 2019 to get Carl some support by means of an intervention and professional mental health care, which Carl rejected.” He added that “Carl can self-sabotage by amplifying the scale, scope and landscape of what had been negotiated.”
Former Netflix VP Cindy Holland originally acquired White Horse from Amazon in 2018 for over $61 million. Rinsch subsequently used $44 million without delivering a final product and demanded an additional $11 million. Prosecutors revealed he gambled millions on stocks and luxury goods. Ultimately, Rakoff ordered approximately $11 million in restitution and a Sept. 1 prison surrender.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
