The Mike Sordilla Case: Unraveling the $44 Million Book Publishing Scam Targeting Elderly Authors
Introduction
In a stunning revelation that shook the publishing world, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment of three individuals involved in a sophisticated $44 million scam targeting elderly authors across the United States. At the heart of this conspiracy was Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, alongside Gemma Traya Austin and Bryan Navales Tarosa, who orchestrated a fraudulent scheme through PageTurner, Press and Media LLC, exploiting the dreams of authors hoping to see their books on the big screen.
The Genesis of the Scam
The scam began in September 2017 and continued unabated until December 2024. PageTurner, under the guise of a legitimate publishing house, reached out to individual authors, predominantly the elderly, with the false promise of turning their books into major motion pictures or television series. The allure of having their work recognized and celebrated was a dream come true for many.
The Operation
PageTurner, led by Gemma Traya Austin, and its conspirators, including Sordilla and Tarosa from Innocentrix Philippines, employed a methodical approach to deceive their victims. They used unsolicited calls and emails to make initial contact, followed by elaborate pitches that their works had caught the eye of major publishers and film studios. However, there was a catch – the authors were required to pay upfront fees for various services, including taxes and transaction fees, supposedly to facilitate the publishing or optioning process.
The Victims
The indictment revealed a staggering number of more than 800 victims who collectively lost over $44 million to the scam. These authors, many of whom had invested their life’s savings into what they believed was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, were left devastated. Their financial losses were compounded by the emotional toll of seeing their literary dreams manipulated and shattered.
The Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The FBI’s investigation culminated in the arrests of Sordilla and Tarosa in San Diego and Austin in Chula Vista in December 2024. The charges brought against them include conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The seizure of the PageTurner website marked a significant step in curtailing the operations of this fraudulent scheme.
The Broader Impact
The Mike Sordilla case highlights the vulnerabilities within the publishing industry, where dreams can sometimes blind authors to the realities of predatory practices. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath’s statement emphasized the importance of vigilance among authors and the need for thorough research before engaging with publishing services. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to disrupting such fraud schemes and protecting potential victims was evident in their pursuit of justice in this case.
Preventive Measures and Resources
For authors, especially the elderly, the case serves as a cautionary tale. The National Elder Fraud Hotline and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) offer resources and support for victims of similar scams. Awareness and education about these fraudulent practices are crucial in preventing future victimization.
Conclusion
The Mike Sordilla case is a sobering reminder of the dark underbelly of the publishing industry, where exploitation of hopeful authors can lead to devastating consequences. It underscores the importance of vigilance, due diligence, and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies to protect the dreams and financial well-being of authors nationwide. As this case progresses through the legal system, it serves as a stark warning to would-be fraudsters that their actions will not go unpunished.
