Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Illinois Man Tries To Profit Off Fake 'Star Trek' Device

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

Good morning, I'm David Greene.

Star Trek fans are passionate, but usually above the law. Trekkies go to conventions dressed like Spock or Captain Kirk. But Howard Leventhal tried to cash in on his fantasy life. The Illinois man solicited $25 million from investors for a fictitious device. Named after Dr. McCoy in the sci-fi series, it supposedly delivered medical data like the Star Trek's tricorder. Prosecutors said Leventhal's actions were valid only in another dimension. He pleaded guilty to fraud.

It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.