Director Sentenced to 2.5 Years for $11m Netflix Fraud

Hollywood writer-director Carl Rinsch was sentenced on Monday to two-and-a-half years in prison following his conviction for defrauding Netflix of $11 million. The funds were intended for a sci-fi series titled "White Horse," which was never completed. Rinsch was found guilty in December of federal wire fraud and other charges. Prosecutors stated that Rinsch diverted the $11 million allocated for the series into his personal account. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Rinsch spent significant portions of the diverted funds on luxury items, including $638,000 spent on two mattresses, as well as high-end cars, watches, and clothing. Supporters of Rinsch, including actor Keanu Reeves, had previously petitioned the court for leniency. Rinsch is known for directing the 2013 film "47 Ronin."