Keanu Reeves is asking a federal judge for leniency for director Carl Rinsch, who was convicted of swindling Netflix out of $11 million, according to People. Reeves wrote that Rinsch is “an exceptional artist†and asked Judge Jed Rakoff to show “leniency and mercy†at sentencing, the publication confirms.
Rinsch directed Reeves in the 2013 film “47 Ronin.† Variety reports that Reeves later became a mentor and early investor in Rinsch's planned sci-fi series, “White Horse.â€Â
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What prosecutors say happened
Rinsch was convicted in December on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering, with prosecutors also saying he made illegal transactions, according to both sources. They alleged he used Netflix money meant for “White Horse†to buy luxury cars, expensive mattresses, furniture, antiques, a Swiss watch, and cryptocurrency investments, People says.
In court documents, Reeves said he was speaking as an “artistic peer†and friend, and added that he did not mean to excuse what Rinsch was found to have done, according to People.
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Rinsch is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, June 29, and prosecutors are expected to file their sentencing recommendation by Tuesday, June 16, perBusiness Insider. Under federal guidelines, his lawyers say he could face eight to 10 years in prison, while the defense wants a sentence below that and no prison time, Business Insider confirmed.
Netflix is expected to seek $11 million in restitution, plus $4.4 million in attorneys' fees, according to Variety.
Reeves said he saw “exceptional joy and warmth†and “creative inspiration†in Rinsch's work, as confirmed by People. The actor added, “I hope you are able to find leniency for this man,†according to the same court filing reported by People.
