IN BRIEF : Jurist Chilly to ‘Mob Terror’ Defense

A man who bilked investors into sinking $2.4 million into a bogus self-chilling beverage container drew 12 years in prison despite his lawyer’s insistence he was only a terrified “franchise” for the mob.

Marshall Zolp, 42, was bullied by mobsters into carrying out the fraud, defense attorney Raymond Sussman contended on Wednesday.

But U.S. District Judge Alfred Lechner Jr. told Zolp: “Your conduct has been your character. You are a con man.”

Zolp, who could have received 20 years in prison, pleaded guilty in 1987 to racketeering. Five others were convicted in the scheme to promote a phony self-chilling can.

Zolp and his co-defendants promoted Laser Arms, incorporated in 1986, through fake news releases, ads and shareholder reports. They staged a phony news conference and prepared company documents with photos of actors portraying executives.

As part of a plea agreement, Zolp has been providing information on organized-crime involvement in securities manipulation, said Sussman and Assistant U.S. Atty. Robert P. Warren. Indictments are expected, authorities said.