Use Hillary's broach. ;)
Posted: Mon., Sep. 20, 2004, 5:13pm PT
King of Cons begins lockup
GOOD MORNING: Aaron Tonken is skedded to start a 63-month jail sentence Wednesday on federal charges of fraud. Today he is slated to be interviewed by Brian Ross for a Nov. 19 airing with John Stossel on ABC's '20/20.'" A seg on "GMA" airs next day. Tonken's book, "King of Cons," hits the book stalls Nov. 18 from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I met Monday with Tonken, publisher David W. Dunham, and one of Tonken's attorneys, Philip D. Dapeer, while also talking on the phone with another of his lawyers, George Bird. They are taking fees based on sales of the book whose first printing is 90,000 copies. And the film and TV rights have been bought by Michael Shane (exec producer "Catch Me If You Can") ... Tonken is involved in California, federal and local lawsuits ranging from the fraud charges to Chapter 7, plus a countersuit vs. David Schwimmer who has sued Tonken for defamation. Tonken's book names a long list of celebs who took fees -- and demanded more -- for so-called charitable appearances. The extent of some of the celeb demands, Tonken says are beyond imagination. The Federal Election Commission has also demanded information from Tonken on a fundraising event for Hillary Clinton's senatorial campaign he headed. (It was sponsored by New York Senate 2000). Tonken's association with the Clintons was remarkable in view of his minor status in the establishment. How did this comparative newcomer gain the confidences of so many in the showbiz and political community? All in the name of charity. He claims he took none of the funds for himself. The book unravels an incredible rollout of cash and goods to the celeb participants in the charity events. Dunham told me the book is set for windows nationwide at Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc. ... Next month, Thomas Nelson publishes "Cooking Made Easy" by Wolfgang Puck.