American film director Carl Rinsch, known for the 2013 movie “47 Ronin,” is sentenced to 30 months in prison after being found to have defrauded Netflix, U.S. prosecutors in New York say. The case centers on $11 million paid to him in 2020 to develop a science-fiction series initially described as “White Horse” and later reported as “Conquest.” Prosecutors say Rinsch does not use the money to make the show and instead makes risky bets involving speculative stock options and cryptocurrency. They also say he spends millions on luxury goods for himself, including luxury clothing and furniture and luxury vehicles such as a red Ferrari and multiple Rolls-Royces.
In addition to the prison term, the court orders Rinsch to forfeit $11 million. His lawyers ask for leniency, arguing the misuse occurred amid professional pressure and during a contentious divorce. One report also notes that actor Keanu Reeves writes to the judge ahead of sentencing seeking mercy for the director.
