Agent's scheme involving Chris Brown, T-Pain, lands him in prison

NEW YORK — A New Jersey talent agent who stole about $2 million from concert promoters when he lied about being able to deliver the likes of Chris Brown and T-Pain was sentenced on Monday to up to 78 months in prison.
Yugeshwar Rajkumar, 45, of Teaneck, previously pleaded guilty to first-degree fraud and numerous counts of grand larceny, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said in a news release.

A Teaneck talent agent will spend several years in prison for stealing about $2 million.Manhattan District Attorney 

A judge also ordered Rajkumar to pay $1,744,900 in restitution on top of the minimum 39 months in prison.
Rajkumar's scheme began in 2008 when he falsely promised clients and event promoters that he would book recording artists such as Akon, Chris Brown, T-Pain and MC Hammer for overseas concerts. He then accepted payments ranging from $45,000 to $300,000.
Rajkumar then used the money to pay rent, legal fees, personal debts and make car payments, according to authorities.
In most instances, the promoters' planned concerts in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East never materialized.
"The defendant took advantage of his reputation in the music industry to convince his victims to pay him tens of thousands of dollars to secure supposed performances by world-famous recording artists," Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said in a statement.
Rajkumar also went by the names "Mateo Rajkumar" and "Matthew Rajkumar," the DA said. His other companies included Mateo Productions and Kayvana Entertainment.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.