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Infomercial Pitchman, Facing Charges of Running a Scam, Commits Suicide

Donald Lapre, an infomercial pitchman who was facing charges of running a scam to sell worthless businesses, has died in an apparent suicide, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Phoenix-based Lapre was in federal custody and found dead in his cell Sunday morning. He was indicted in June on 41 counts of conspiracy and fraud. Lapre was accused of promoting businesses that defrauded nearly $52 million from more than 220,000 victims.

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Robyn Ross

Donald Lapre, an infomercial pitchman who was facing charges of running a scam to sell worthless businesses, has died in an apparent suicide, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Phoenix-based Lapre was in federal custody and found dead in his cell Sunday morning. He was indicted in June on 41 counts of conspiracy and fraud. Lapre was accused of promoting businesses that defrauded nearly $52 million from more than 220,000 victims.

Lapre's trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Watch one of his infomercials: