A Raymore, Missouri man is accused of tricking dozens of women into having sex – which he recorded – under the appearance they were rehearsing for a pornography movie, according to a news release from the Office of the U.S. Attorney Western District of Missouri.
Mario A. Antoine, 33, is charged in a 21-count indictment.
The federal indictment alleges Antoine created various online aliases where he posed as a talent manager, photographer and videographer for fake companies such as “Playboy Worldwide,” “Playboy Asia,” “Dash Agency,” and others that he claimed managed private overseas pornography websites.
Beginning in 2011, Antoine allegedly “auditioned” dozens of victims throughout the greater KC area as models for prospective employment with the fake businesses by persuading them to engage in sexual and pornographic activity, according to the news release.
The news release says Antoine allegedly promised to pay his victims tens of thousands of dollars for entering into contracts for the modeling shoots and engaging in sexual activity. It entailed auditions where the victims performed sexual activities with Antoine, which he recorded, according to the news release. The indictment cites six victims of the alleged scheme.
The news release says Antoine also allegedly posed as an alias, “Nikki,” to communicate with victims about photo shoots. Antoine allegedly sent victims photos of one victim and claimed they were “Nikki,” saying she’d received thousands for the photo shoot. After victims complained they hadn’t been paid as promised, Antoine allegedly sent images of the sexual activity with victims to their employers or significant others.
Antoine presented victims with forged and false documents to make the businesses seem legitimate, according to the indictment.
Antoine is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud, two counts of cyberstalking, two counts of online enticement, two counts of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents, one count of obstructing justice, one count of extortion and one count of the false registration of a domain name.
According to the news release, the investigation is ongoing as authorities are still identifying additional victims. Anyone who believes Antoine has victimized them is asked to call the FBI at 816-512-8200.
In 2012, Antoine was charged with 10 felony counts of stealing by deceit and unlawful merchandising practices related to his involvement in a wedding photography scam. He was found guilty in September 2013 of four counts of theft of more than $500, but less than $25,000 and four counts of deceptive business practice. He was placed on probation for five years, but his parole was revoked in October 2013. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
