A federal judge has set a January 2016 civil trial for a St. George businessman who the Federal Trade Commission says used deceptive online marketing practices to bilk millions from consumers.
Jeremy Johnson was sued by the FTC in Nevada's Las Vegas federal court in December 2010 for the allegedly fraudulent business practices of his company, I Works. The company sold materials that promised to help consumers access information on moneymaking schemes, stay-healthy programs, and obtaining government or private grants for personal expenses.
The FTC contends I Works fraudulently promised to charge customers one-time nominal fees for the materials, but instead charged consumers a one-time fee of $189 or ongoing monthly fees of $59.99.
Johnson has denied the allegations. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Miranda Du set a civil trial for Jan. 19, 2016, in Reno.
The case mirrors a Utah federal criminal case in which Johnson and four I Works employees are charged with 86 felonies related to bank accounts used to process consumer payments.
A five-week trial in that case is set to begin Sept. 14, although federal prosecutors have offered plea agreements to all of the defendants.
Johnson also has played a key role in the criminal investigations of former Utah Attorneys General Mark Shurtleff and John Swallow.
Both former GOP officeholders face multiple felonies.
jdobner@sltrib.com
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