Reality TV CEO Pleads Guilty To $2 Million In Wire Fraud

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The CEO of two reality TV-focused Hollywood production companies pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a plea agreement filed Tuesday. Jonathan Lee Smith, a 40-year-old man from West Hollywood, admitted to obtaining a $2 million business loan through fake documents that misrepresented his companies' financial situation.

The manager and owner of Hoplite Entertainment Inc. and Hoplite Inc. could face up to 20 years behind bars according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

According to the plea agreement, Smith convinced a private lender to send a $2 million loan in 2020 by lying that his companies had accounts receivable of $3,348,000, and submitted falsified license agreements to back up the statement.

To buy himself more time to pay back the loan, Smith falsely said payment was imminent and sent a fake receipt alleging Hoplite Inc. had sent the lender a $100,000 wire payment. However, the loan was never paid.

Smith agreed to pay $2 million in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He is expected to appear in court on July 6.

Hoplite Entertainment has produced a number of reality TV shows, such as "Ink Therapy," "Stable Wars," "Wrecking Plan," "Midnight Snack" and more.

City News Service contributed to this report.