Guilty plea in $10M Ohio fraud case

COLUMBUS (AP) — A former Ohio man has pleaded guilty to fraud charges that include related allegations he cheated Miami Heat basketball players out of millions of dollars.

A 135-count indictment filed last year described a scheme under which Haider Zafar allegedly swindled a Washington, D.C., businessman out of $10 million between 2008 and 2010.

A witness who testified against Zafar in August alleged Zafar also defrauded Heat players, including former forward Mike Miller.

Zafar pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus in Columbus to wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion charges.

Zafar’s plea deal includes his willingness to resolve a possible federal investigation in Florida.

An IRS agent testified in court that Zafar laundered money by purchasing $30,000 watches and cars costing more than $100,000.