The Region - News from Dec. 11, 1986

A Malibu millionaire dying of AIDS and purported to be the mastermind of a nationwide office supply telephone sales fraud ring pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court to 76 counts of racketeering, mail fraud and other charges, agreeing to forfeit $2.5 million to avoid going to prison. Sheldon L. Block, 36, was the last of 24 defendants indicted in connection with his Park Distributing Co. to plead guilty. He learned several months ago that he has acquired immune deficiency syndrome and has only a year or two to live. Assistant U.S. Atty. David Katz said Block will be allowed to remain free in return for forfeiture of cash and property to reimburse some of the victims. Formal sentencing by U.S. District Judge A. Andrew Hauk is scheduled for Jan. 6. The telemarketing firm allegedly bilked businesses out of $35 million.