The Dark Tale of Con Man: Betrayal and Murder Unveiled
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Chapter 1: Fred Khalilian's Rise and Fall
The narrative remained relatively unnoticed until the moment the central figure was deceived.
"Prince" Fred Khalilian earned a reputation in some circles as an aggressive entrepreneur. His ruthless approach garnered admiration from certain peers while inciting envy and disdain in others. Critics labeled him a braggart, claiming he had little to show for his flamboyant lifestyle.
Khalilian had a passion for luxury vehicles. Whenever the opportunity arose to acquire a rare or costly car, he seized it. Nothing thrilled him more than to be seen behind the wheel, showcasing his wealth to onlookers. Some colleagues expressed concern over his reckless behavior and the dangers associated with his lifestyle.
They were also wary of the beautiful women often seen around him. While most were innocuous, Khalilian sometimes indulged in more daring escapades, which troubled his security detail.
Family and friends attributed his behavior to youthful exuberance, believing he possessed the charm and resources to impress even those unimpressed by material wealth. They cautioned him about the risks of flaunting his money, prompting him to reevaluate his social circle. Additionally, he yearned for a partner who shared his ambition and could assist in launching a business.
Though their relationship was not romantic, Khalilian collaborated with Paris Hilton to open a nightclub in Orlando. Although short-lived, this venture left a mark on those who witnessed it.
Meeting J
One of the individuals impacted by this was J. Esco. Khalilian engaged Esco for a repair project, and the two quickly developed a rapport. Eventually, he invited Esco to lead his IT department.
As their professional relationship blossomed, they bonded outside of work, frequently visiting nightclubs where Khalilian reportedly spent lavishly. Many speculated about the source of his wealth, but Esco was privy to the truth: Khalilian was orchestrating a robocalling scheme that generated substantial weekly profits.
However, the good times were fleeting. In 2010, FBI agents raided their offices, instructing employees not to interact with their computers while they conducted a thorough investigation. The day dragged on as law enforcement confiscated evidence.
The Federal Trade Commission subsequently filed a lawsuit against Khalilian, accusing him of fraud and misleading customers about car warranties. The ruling mandated he pay $4.2 million, leading to the company's closure. Esco was dismissed, and the two lost contact for a time. It was a bitter end to their partnership, especially given Khalilian's assurances to support Esco's future endeavors.
Reconnecting with J
Khalilian began reconstructing his business, primarily focusing on a music-related social media platform. Progress was slow, and he grew frustrated with the lack of success. To remedy this, he fabricated a new persona, claiming to be a billionaire from Dubai and asserting that he would soon take the helm at Samsung.
One day, while visiting his friend, renowned hairstylist Freddie Roach, Khalilian encountered a commercial shoot. Afterward, Roach introduced him to Esco. The two recognized each other but chose to conceal their past connection. As they reconnected, Esco learned of Khalilian's fabricated backstory but kept silent.
They discussed Esco's new pursuits in Hollywood; he was filming commercials but aspired to create documentaries. A few weeks later, Esco proposed making a film about Khalilian to rehabilitate his image following the FTC allegations and attract potential investors for the social media platform. Khalilian agreed to the project.
The Film Project
Esco assured Khalilian that the documentary would highlight him positively. However, Khalilian sensed something amiss about his former employee. Despite his unease, he proceeded with the interviews.
Rather than a documentary, Khalilian envisioned a reality show akin to "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," which he believed would launch his entertainment career while managing his business ventures.
To bolster his image, former associates and his ex-fiancée participated in interviews, perpetuating the idea that he possessed wealth beyond measure and possibly had royal connections. However, whispers reached Khalilian that Esco was crafting a narrative to depict him as a fraudster, a revelation that deeply unsettled him.
Khalilian instructed his head of security, Mike Sherwood, to handle the Esco situation, fearing that the film would obliterate his reputation and hinder his efforts to restore his business empire.
The Road to Murder
For months, it appeared the film project had stalled, and Esco was out of Khalilian's life. Sherwood accompanied him on various trips that generated promising new opportunities. Everything seemed to be falling into place.
Then, out of the blue, Khalilian received a call from Esco. Initially mundane, the conversation quickly turned as Esco mentioned discoveries made during his research for the film. Khalilian felt a rising tide of anger.
Esco escalated his tactics, using spoofed numbers to harass Khalilian, often uttering a single word before hanging up or attempting to provoke him. In March 2023, he received at least 20 such calls.
The pressure mounted. Khalilian realized that if his secrets were revealed, it would spell disaster for his career and threaten his freedom. He concluded that Esco needed to be eliminated.
During one heated call, Khalilian lashed out, issuing threats against Esco's life. Ultimately, he tasked Sherwood with finding someone to carry out the murder, offering $20,000 for the job. At first, Sherwood dismissed the idea, believing it to be an idle threat.
However, Khalilian's determination grew, and he insisted that Sherwood secure proof of Esco's demise, warning of severe consequences if he failed.
Conning the Con
The following day, Khalilian awoke to gruesome photos from Sherwood, purportedly showing Esco's lifeless body. Relief washed over him; the threat was eliminated. Sherwoo