Details about alleged criminal Mario Antoine continued to be uncovered on Tuesday, a day after the Office of the U.S. Attorney Western District of Missouri announced charges against him for tricking dozens of women into having sex – which he recorded – under the appearance they were rehearsing for a pornography movie.
Antoine, who is 33-years-old, was charged in a 21-count indictment.
The federal indictment alleges Antoine created various online aliases where he posed as a talent manager, photographer and videographer for fake companies such as “Playboy Worldwide,” “Playboy Asia,” “Dash Agency,” and others that he claimed managed private overseas pornography websites.
Beginning in 2011, Antoine allegedly “auditioned” dozens of victims throughout the greater KC area as models for prospective employment with the fake businesses by persuading them to engage in sexual and pornographic activity, according to the news release.
Antoine allegedly promised to pay his victims tens of thousands of dollars for entering into contracts for the modeling shoots and engaging in sexual activity. It entailed auditions where the victims performed sexual activities with Antoine, which he recorded, according to the news release. The indictment cites six victims of the alleged scheme.
The news release says Antoine also allegedly posed as an alias, “Nikki,” to communicate with victims about photo shoots. Antoine allegedly sent victims photos of one victim and claimed they were “Nikki,” saying she’d received thousands for the photo shoot. After victims complained they hadn’t been paid as promised, Antoine allegedly sent images of the sexual activity with victims to their employers or significant others.
Antoine presented victims with forged and false documents to make the businesses seem legitimate, according to the indictment.
Acquaintances share details about Mario Antoine
On Tuesday, 41 Action News spoke with former neighbors and those who know Antoine.
Josh Tillery, who once lived next door to Antoine in Olathe, said he could not believe the charges against the man.
I'm shocked," said Tillery. "I couldn't believe what I was reading. He was real friendly and helpful. He invited us over for dinner once or twice."
Others, like a former employer who wished to remain anonymous, said Antoine showed problems in the past.
The woman, who runs a wedding photography business, said she was forced to fire Antoine after he showed up late to work on multiple occasions and displayed a bad attitude.
The porn scheme allegedly involving Antoine showed how women in vulnerable positions can be taken advantage of, according to KidsTLC Director of Business Development Josh Henges.
"He exploited these people," Henges explained."People that you exploit often need the most help."
Hedges said the promise of thousands of dollars likely attracted the victims to take part in the arrangements.
Despite the obvious danger, Henges said the victims should not be blamed.
"I don't think it was a smart move at all, but that doesn't change the fact that they didn't deserve any of this," he said. "No one should ever feel like they're going to be victimized."
A federal investigator said Antoine turned himself in to authorities and appeared for a hearing at the federal courthouse downtown on Monday.
Antoine is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud, two counts of cyberstalking, two counts of online enticement, two counts of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents, one count of obstructing justice, one count of extortion and one count of the false registration of a domain name.
According to the news release, the investigation is ongoing as authorities are still identifying additional victims. Anyone who believes Antoine has victimized them is asked to call the FBI at 816-512-8200.
In 2012, Antoine was charged with 10 felony counts of stealing by deceit and unlawful merchandising practices related to his involvement in a wedding photography scam. He was found guilty in September 2013 of four counts of theft of more than $500, but less than $25,000 and four counts of deceptive business practice. He was placed on probation for five years, but his parole was revoked in October 2013. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
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