5 Arrested in $1.4-Million Stock Scheme

Four men and a woman were arrested Thursday on suspicion of running a telemarketing boiler room operation that tricked investors into buying stock in a phony latex glove company, federal prosecutors said.

The suspects, all officers or employees of Woodland Hills-based Assured International Inc., cheated hundreds of investors out of $1.4 million, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

Those arrested were identified as Sam E. Harris, 46, of Thousand Oaks; Henry Perrin, 58, of Van Nuys; Sharman Walker, 47, of Canoga Park; Terry Harding, 30, of Sherman Oaks; and Charles Peterson, 47, of Culver City.

Harris was in custody Thursday, pending the posting of a $200,000 appearance bond secured by property. The others were released, pending the posting of their bonds, which ranged from $25,000 to $50,000.