LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, a 57-year-old man from Huntington Beach, has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for defrauding investors in bogus COVID-19 cure and treatment companies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced today.
Middlebrook, who also worked as a part-time actor, was convicted for soliciting investments in fraudulent companies that purportedly offered cures and treatments for the coronavirus. Between March 2020 and November 2020, Middlebrook used text messages, videos, and social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram to promote his products, which he marketed under the names QC20 and QP20. He falsely claimed that he had developed a “patent-pending” cure and a treatment to prevent COVID-19 infection.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middlebrook made a series of misleading statements to convince potential investors to invest in his companies. He promised “enormous returns” on investments, claiming they were 100% guaranteed. To further his scheme, he falsely asserted that Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the former Los Angeles Lakers star, was involved in his business as a director and officer. He also made up a story about a $10 billion offer from a party in Dubai, claiming it would secure investors’ funds.
Middlebrook was found guilty of fraudulently soliciting millions of dollars in investments, with claims of miraculous results from his supposed COVID-19 treatment products. U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer cited Middlebrook’s obstruction of justice during his trial, particularly his lies under oath about his relationship with Magic Johnson.
In addition to his prison sentence, Middlebrook was fined $25,000. He is now in federal custody, beginning his sentence immediately. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice to crack down on fraudulent activities that exploit the global pandemic for personal gain.
