Ne-Yo coming to Columbus
… to testify in a fraud case. The R&B artist is among several celebrities and athletes who are coming to Columbus to testify in federal court this week over a $9.5 million fraud trial against Westerville sports-drink company Imperial Integrative Health Research & Development.
The company, which made OXYwater (a sports drink), and its leads – Preston Harrison and Thomas Jackson – are charged with 31 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The two are also accused of deceiving investors, like Ne-Yo, Greg Jennings (NFL, Minnesota Vikings), and William K. “Kenny” Gregory (former professional basketball player, European league).
Prosecutors said that the two defrauded investors so they could continue their lavish lifestyles. Which seems pretty legit when you consider that the IRS seized a 2009 Cadillac and a 2009 BMW during their investigation. (deb)
*Harrison’s wife, Lovena Harrison, is also facing charges of conspiracy to defraud the IRS, filing a false income-tax return, and structuring financial deposits to avoid reporting money to the government.
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