The Fake Covid Cure Con Artist: A Tale of Deception and Narcissism
Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, a 57-year-old part-time actor from Huntington Beach, has been sentenced to eight years and two months in federal prison for swindling investors with a fake Covid-19 cure. Middlebrook, who claims to be the inspiration for HBO’s “Ballers,” was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
The Con Begins
Middlebrook solicited investors in multiple states, using social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram to promote his supposed cure, QC20. He even went as far as to claim that Magic Johnson, the NBA legend, was a “director and officer” of his company. Additionally, he claimed that a buyer in Dubai was set to purchase his companies for a staggering $10 billion.
A Web of Lies
But Middlebrook’s scheme was eventually uncovered when he delivered pills to an FBI agent posing as an investor in March 2020. He was arrested and later convicted of 11 counts of wire fraud. During his trial, Middlebrook testified about his supposed relationship with Magic Johnson, but the NBA star took the stand and denied ever working with Middlebrook or even knowing him.
The Aftermath
Despite being convicted and sentenced, Middlebrook remains adamant that he has committed no crime. His lawyer claims that a Stanford doctor (whose existence cannot be verified) said his Covid cure worked. Middlebrook has even gone as far as to call Magic Johnson “the biggest liar I’ve ever seen” and promises to prove it.
A Cautionary Tale
Middlebrook’s case serves as a warning to those who would seek to take advantage of others during times of crisis. His narcissistic behavior and lack of remorse are a stark reminder of the dangers of fraud and deception. As he begins his prison sentence, one can’t help but wonder what other lies he will tell to try and justify his actions.
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