Judge sentences 8 more in fraud scheme

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Eight former executives and employees of a Cincinnati company that sold a male sexual aid and other herbal supplements were sentenced Thursday in connection with a massive fraud scheme.

A federal judge handed down sentences ranging from one month to one year for their roles in a scheme that federal prosecutors say netted Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals more than $500 million. The sentencings came a day after company founder Steven Warshak was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Most of the charges against the former employees related to false claims and fraud from the sale of Enzyte, which was billed as a sexual aid for men.

Seven of those sentenced Thursday admitted their involvement.

Sentenced to one year include Warshak's sister, Sue Cossman, and her husband, Greg, the company's former president. Former chief operating officer Jim Teegarden, former sales director Sally Kinmon and former financial officer Michael Wagner also received one-year sentences.

Two other cooperating defendants, Sam Grote and William Bertemes, were sentenced to one month in prison. Grote was a Berkeley bookkeeper; Bertemes was Warshak's accountant.

Steven Pugh did not cooperate but got a one-year sentence because the judge determined he played only a minor role.

Sentencing for Paul Kellogg, Berkeley's in-house lawyer, was set for Friday.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com