The arraignment of two talent management operators has been continued to Feb. 14 and 24 at the Los Angeles Superior Court, where both are facing charges of allegedly violating Assembly Bill 1319, the Paul Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act of 2009, named after the current District 2 Los Angeles City Councilmember. This is the first time the act is being used.

Back in late 2008, members of the Screen Actors Guild and other agencies, including BizParentz.org, an organization which helps parents navigate getting their children to fame, went to Sacramento to express concern about dealing with talent management companies who were taking advantage of them.

Anne Henry, founder of BizParents.org, said they are thrilled to see enforcement of the Krekorian Act.

“The allegations involved are prime examples of the exploitation that is being presented to consumers as a viable way into the entertainment industry,” Henry said.

Before Assembly Bill 1319 was passed, prosecutors had no legal mechanism to prosecute agencies who were exploiting kids and their families who were trying to get into the entertainment industry. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009 and Councilmember Krekorian, who used to be in the State Assembly, is the author of the legislation.

“For years, prosecutors lacked the necessary tools to go after fake talent agencies whose only goal was to rip off the public," Krekorian said. "Now, thanks to my legislation and the diligent work of the city attorney's office, we have the power to give parents and kids a valuable sense of security as they chase their dreams."

The legislation bars talent management personal from charging client fees, other than commission, and requires that they adhere to certain professional standards. These standards include proving they are working on behalf of clients as well as other numerous regulations. 

The first two talent management company operators to be charged in connection to violating the bill are David Askaryar, 46, and Ricardo Macias, 35.

Deputy City Attorney Mark Lambert is prosecuting both men. He said both cases will be continued for arraignment. Askaryar will continue his arraignment on Feb. 14 and Macias, who was representing himself in court, will continue on Feb. 24. 

“Macias was ordered, as a condition of his release, not to operate his Web site or any other listing service until his next court date,” Lambert said. “Askaryar had similar conditions were imposed upon him to not operate his or any other listing service, unless he gets a bond and follows the other regulations.”

Krekorian said The Talent Scam Prevention Act does not put limitations on legitimate agencies but rather targets those whose intention is to “separate people from their money.”

“After today's arraignment, a number of talent listing services have been suspended and the operators of those phony businesses will have to answer for their alleged crimes. This is only the start and should serve as a warning to all whose intention is to lie, cheat and steal from young actors and models,” Krekorian said.

Lambert said they don’t have an obligation to inform anyone of the laws and if they’re involved in this business they’re expected to know the law, but the city attorney’s office did send numerous letters to various talent agencies informing them of the regulations.

Frank T. Mateljan, public information officer of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, said Askaryar was operating the Hollywood Stars Management, Inc., and VIP Talent Web, Inc. He is being charged with 16 criminal counts and could face up to 13 years in jail and over $125,000 in fines.

Mateljan also stated Macias, the owner of ActorsOnSet.com, was charged in connection to 18 criminal counts and “faces up to seven years in jail and a $13,000 fine if convicted of all theft charges and an additional four years in jail and $40,000 in fines if convicted of all the Krekorian Act charges.”