A former actor, convicted of wire fraud for marketing a bogus COVID-19 cure, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison. Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 57, of Huntington Beach, California, was found guilty in May 2024. He solicited investors across multiple states, promising cures and treatments marketed as "QC20" and "QP20."
Middlebrook's scheme involved promoting his purported COVID-19 remedies through various channels, including text messages, videos, and social media postings. He claimed to have developed a "patent-pending" cure and preventative treatment. His alleged fraudulent activities occurred during the height of the pandemic.
The FBI arrested Middlebrook in March 2020 after delivering purported treatment pills to an undercover agent posing as an investor. He maintained a claim to have had extensive consultations with legal and medical professionals. This claim was contradicted in court proceedings, leading to the verdict.
Crucially, Magic Johnson, a former basketball star, testified against Middlebrook, denying any involvement or knowledge of Middlebrook's companies or alleged cures. This testimony proved pivotal in the sentencing. The judge ruled Middlebrook obstructed justice by falsely claiming a relationship with Johnson.
Middlebrook's attorney countered with a medical professional's testimony supporting the effectiveness of Middlebrook's compound. Despite this, Judge Dale S. Fischer ordered Middlebrook into federal custody immediately following the sentencing, revoking his $150,000 bond.
The convicted actor's past includes acting roles in films like "Iron Man 2" and "Moneyball", and he has even claimed a connection to the HBO television show "Ballers". This case highlights the dangers of fraudulent claims in a public health crisis.
