LAS VEGAS -- A Hollywood talent broker convicted twice for deceptive business practices in California now faces criminal charges in Nevada.
The I-Team first investigated Carl Carranza last July when local parents complained he offered their kids a shot at stardom but delivered only empty promises. According to a recent criminal complaint, some families paid Carranza up to $1,500 to get their kids into show business. Instead, investigators say they were duped.
Carranza faces fraud charges involving four different families. Eddy Sierra and his son Illias are among them. Last July, Sierra responded to an ad on Craigslist seeking cute kids and babies. Sierra tells the I-Team that Carranza who referred to himself as Mr. Kendall claimed he could get his son modeling and commercial work in California. But when Carranza wanted a $500 up front fee, Sierra says it raised red flags.
"At that time, I let him know we didn't have $500 and he asked 'how much did we have?' And I said, we don't have $500 how much do we need? And again, he asked how much do we have?"
Sierra says he paid $200 and agreed to a second payment of $300 in a few weeks. But hours later, after finding numerous complaints online, Sierra told Carranza he didn't want his services. Carranza however refused to refund Sierra's money or to release him from their agreement.
Carranza is currently on probation in California following his second conviction there for deceptive business practices. And police have issued a warrant for his arrest in Nevada.
The I-Team did try to reach Carranza's attorney but he did not return a phone call seeking comment.
