Producer Starts Prison Term

More than three years after he pleaded no contest to six felony counts in connection with a scheme in which investors lost $1.3 million, self-styled film producer George LeFave surrendered today to begin serving a two-year prison term.

LeFave, 43, who had promised returns of more than 30% on investments in the distribution of an animated television cartoon, “The Bear That Slept Through Christmas,” thanked Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gordon Ringer “for being patient with me.” LeFave’s case had drawn attention after his sentencing hearing was delayed 24 times, mostly at the request of his attorney, Howard L. Weitzman.