Director Carl Rinsch Sentenced to Over Two Years for Defrauding Netflix of $11 Million

Hollywood writer-director Carl Rinsch was sentenced Monday to 2.5 years in prison after being convicted of defrauding Netflix out of $11 million for a never-finished sci-fi series. Rinsch, best known for the 2013 samurai fantasy film "47 Ronin", was convicted in December of federal wire fraud and other charges. According to prosecutors and trial testimony, he told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show called "White Horse" but diverted the money into a personal account and spent lavish sums on luxury cars, watches, clothing, and household goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff said Rinsch's mental health difficulties "may explain some of the excesses" but do not "detract from the court's conclusion that he was determined to lie to get substantial monies from Netflix." Rinsch apologized in court, acknowledged that "real harm was caused," and said he failed to recognize the danger of his state. Prosecutor David Markewitz argued that Rinsch's motive was "naked greed," citing his privileged background.

Actor Keanu Reeves, who starred in "47 Ronin," wrote a letter to the court in advance of sentencing, saying Rinsch "brings exceptional joy and warmth" and hoped his sentence "might be tempered with measures of leniency and mercy." Rinsch also owes about $11 million in restitution to Netflix. He is due to report to prison in September. His lawyers said they plan to appeal. Netflix declined to comment.