Springfield Businessman Admits to Advertising Scam

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A Springfield businessman has pleaded guilty to defrauding thousands of small businesses in more than 32 states through an advertising scam.

Prosecutors say 32-year-old Andrew Miles Ross ran a company that fraudulently sold more than $900,000 in advertising it promised would appear on restaurant placemats and take-home menus.

They say his telemarketers falsely claimed to represent local Mexican restaurants when offering to sell ad space to auto repair shops, insurance agents, salons and other businesses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in central Illinois said Tuesday that Ross or one of his employees would then try to persuade restaurants to accept free placemats or take-home menus.

Ross pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud on Monday. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

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