Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, a 34-year-old citizen of the Philippines, pleaded guilty on May 7 in federal court to conspiring to run a fraudulent book publishing scheme that caused more than $48 million in losses to over 800 victims across the United States.
The case is significant because it involved hundreds of victims, most of them seniors, who were promised major publishing deals and Hollywood film adaptations in exchange for large sums of money. Authorities say this plea marks an important step toward holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
According to his plea agreement, Sordilla founded Innocentrix Philippines and used it as a front for managing a call center where sales representatives posed as literary agents from fictitious companies such as PageTurner Press and Media LLC and WP Lighthouse LLC. These entities were registered in California and Indiana but did not have real connections with publishers or studios. Victims were told their works had been selected by major publishers or movie studios and were convinced to pay various fees upfront. The scam operated from 2017 until 2024.
Sordilla admitted he directed co-conspirators to open bank accounts under fake company names and laundered at least $42 million through domestic and international accounts controlled by himself and others. He agreed to forfeit over $2.7 million received from the offense, with restitution set at more than $48.7 million.
"The defendants didn’t just steal money — they stole dreams, leaving victims with empty promises and devastating losses," said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "Today’s guilty plea delivers justice for victims and serves as a warning that legitimate publishers and filmmakers do not demand upfront fees." Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office said, "Michael Sordilla and his co-conspirators callously preyed on the hopes and dreams of authors to have their stories come to life, costing hundreds of victims more than $48 million in losses." Matt Shields, Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division, added: "This guilty plea represents a significant step in holding the defendant accountable and seeking justice for all of those impacted."
Three other defendants remain awaiting trial while law enforcement has seized related domains and millions from associated bank accounts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra “Sasha” Johnson.
