Fyre Fest Founder Billy McFarland Pleads Guilty to New Fraud Charges

He could be in prison for over a decade

BY Josiah HughesPublished Jul 26, 2018

Although it was hilarious for some viral schadenfreude content, Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland is likely in no laughing mood. He's just pleaded guilty to new charges of fraud and is staring down the barrel of a lengthy prison term.

According to the Associated Press, McFarland pleaded guilty to new charges today that allege he was selling fraudulent tickets to fashion, music and sporting events while out on bail following initial Fyre Festival charges.

The 26-year-old Manhattan resident had previously pleaded guilty to defrauding investors and vendors in the 2017 Bahamas-set Fyre Festival.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said McFarland's plea demonstrated his "disturbing pattern of deception."

Sentencing has been set for September 17. A plea agreement calls for a prison term between 11 and 14 years.

Earlier this month, two Fyre Festival attendees were awarded a total of $5 million USD in damages. 

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