Carl Rinsch was found guilty Thursday of swindling Netflix out of $11 million during the production of his unfinished sci-fi series White Horse. The 48-year-old director faces sentencing on April 17th for wire fraud, money laundering and illegal transactions. Prosecutors said Rinsch funneled Netflix’s money into a brokerage account and gambled millions on Gilead pharmaceuticals while believing the company could cure COVID-19. He also purchased luxury cars, antique furniture and high-end mattresses. Rinsch testified in his defense, claiming he completed first season filming and needed funds for Season 2 pre-production. Netflix never ordered a second season and said the first was incomplete. “This isn’t a movie script that Carl Rinsch and his lawyers can edit,” prosecutor Adam Sowlati told jurors. “This is reality.” Rinsch’s attorney argued the luxury purchases were irrelevant to the case. (Story URL)
