An Orange County man has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for defrauding victims out of more than $3 million for COVID-related medical protective equipment that was never delivered. Christopher Badsey, 63, of Lake Forest, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to four counts of wire fraud.
Badsey claimed he had access to millions of boxes of medical-grade nitrile gloves through his Irvine-based company, First Defense International Security Services Corp, during a time when this personal protective equipment was in high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He entered into contracts with three companies, requiring them to pay monetary deposits to inspect the gloves prior to delivery. After receiving these deposits, he directed company representatives to travel to the Los Angeles area to view the supposed warehouse. However, when they arrived, Badsey and his associates provided excuses for the gloves not being available for inspection or delivery.
In total, the companies wired Badsey approximately $3.23 million based on his false assurances. He allegedly used these funds for personal purchases, spinning elaborate stories, including claims that government agents were blocking access to the warehouse.
As part of his sentencing, Badsey has forfeited a range of items acquired through his fraudulent activities, including a yacht, a pontoon boat, two Mercedes-Benz vehicles, two Ford pickup trucks, an RV, a tractor, three ATVs, and nearly $59,000 in cash. He has also been ordered to pay over $1.9 million in restitution to his victims.
