Forty six year old Michael Manos sits in a San Francisco jail today waiting an extradition hearing to return him to New York. At some point this man will be returning to Dallas where he will faces for charging over $70,000 in unauthorized purchases to a local restaurant owner. According to the Dallas Morning News, this jet setting wannabe star has spent years changing identities and residences.
Using the name Michael De Medici he was a reality TV promoter in New York. IN Atlanta he allegedly played the part of a real estate investor. In Dallas he called himself Mladen Mordan Stefanov and claimed he was a Greek “trust fund baby.”
Using the Stefanov identity, Manos befriended Bella Bar and Restaurant owners stating he was going to get them involved in reality TV. Owner Robert Petrie allegedly gave his credit card to Manos to prep for a charity party to be thrown at the restaurant. Upon receiving his credit card statement, Petrie realized that Manos had apparently racked up over $70,000 in charges and gained access to his bank account.
Once his business in California and New York are taken care of, Manos is facing charges of felony credit card abuse in Dallas. Texas fraud charges can be confusing and until the charges are actually filed in this particular case, we cannot be certain how many years Manos will be facing.
Although fraud cases are rarely this complex and far reaching, people taking advantage of others for financial gain isn’t so rare. Often, crimes like this are committed by people in dire financial situations who don’t realize the risks associated with getting caught.
Once arrested and placed before the judge, reality sets in and regret typically follows.
If you are accused of fraud or any other criminal financial charge, we may be able to help. Knowing the local courts and how the Texas justice system works can be a real benefit.
If you are in need of a high energy, aggressive attorney to fight for your rights in court, contact us immediately.