Lou Pearlman | |
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![]() 2007 arrest mugshot | |
Born | Louis Jay Pearlman June 19, 1954 |
Died | August 19, 2016 | (aged 62)
Resting place | New Montefiore Cemetery |
Other names | |
Criminal charges |
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Criminal penalty | 25 years in prison |
Criminal status | Deceased |
Musical career | |
Genres | Dance-pop |
Occupation(s) | Record producer, manager |
Years active | 1993–2006 |
Louis Jay Pearlman (June 19, 1954 - August 19, 2016) was an American record producer and fraudster. He was born in Flushing, Queens, New York City. He was a first cousin of the musician Art Garfunkel. He used to live in Orlando, Florida. He was the person behind many successful 1990s boy bands, having formed and funded the Backstreet Boys.[4] After their massive success, he then developed NSYNC.
In 2006, he was accused of running one of the largest and longest-running Ponzi schemes in United States history, leaving more than $300 million in debts. After attempting to evade capture, Pearlman was caught in Bali, Indonesia in June 2007. He pled guilty to conspiracy, money laundering, and making false statements during a bankruptcy proceedings.
In 2008, Pearlman was convicted and sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.[3][5] He died of a stroke in prison in Texarkana, Texas.