Authorities in Iowa have filed federal charges against a Tennessee man for selling tickets to a fake concert that was supposed to be held in Dubuque. Thirty-one-year-old Charles Warthan of Chattanooga, Tennessee is charged with mail fraud.
Warthan and some others are accused of executing a fraudulent scheme last summer in which they conned over 400 rap and hip-hop fans out of more than $18,000 in cash for tickets to the a Dubuque concert that was never to be held.
Several businesses and organizations in Dubuque were contacted to promote the concert which was to feature several artists. A Dubuque radio station was contracted to advertise the event, which was going to be held at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.
The advertised performers on the bill apparently knew nothing about the concert. Warthan was arrested when he returned to the music store which sold the tickets. At the time, Warthan was wearing a wig, hat and glasses.