WFAN host Craig Carton made his first public comment Tuesday related to federal fraud charges connected to an alleged fake ticket scheme.
The Syracuse University alum claims he will be found not guilty of the accusations and thanked family, friends and his radio parter, Boomer Esiason for their support.
Carton indicated that he will "be back, stronger than ever."
Carton remains suspended indefinitely by CBS Radio following an arrest by the FBI last week.
Below is Carton's full statement.
I want to thank my family, friends and fans and especially Boomer for the outpouring of public and private support I've received over the past few days. As you can imagine, it's been incredibly hard to be silent while there is an endless stream of vitriol being hurled my way, but I'm confident that when the facts come out, you'll see that I am not guilty of these charges. My fight has only just begun and I know when this strange episode is over, I'll be back, stronger than ever. Thank you for all the kind words and good wishes as I continue on with one of the greatest battles of my life.
Carton's attorney, Robert C. Gottlieb of Gottlieb & Janey, has previously stated that Carton is a victim who was "deceived, manipulated, and used."
Authorities say Carton and a business partner stole at least $3.6 million from two investors with an additional $2 million pocketed by Carton from one of the same two investors.
"Behind all the talk, the Carton and Wright show was just a sham, designed to fleece investors out of millions ultimately to be spent on payments to casinos and ... other personal debt," said U.S. Attorney Joon Kim in federal court last week.
According to the Daily News, Carton allegedly lured investors into a fraudulent ticket resale business, promising face-value tickets to concerts by stars like Adele, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Metallica and Barbra Streisand.
Carton is facing up to 45 years in prison.
Authorities say Carton participated in the fraud to pay off gambling debts.
Carton has been part of WFAN's morning show with Esiason since 2007.
Esiason, a former quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets who also serves as an NFL analyst for CBS and Westwood One, says he remains 'lost and heartbroken' over Carton's arrest.
"I'm lost and heartbroken over the whole thing, trying to figure out what the future holds," Esiason told Toucher and Rich (via CBS Boston). " ... We just have to wait and see, and only time will tell."
Contact Brent Axe: Email | Twitter
0 Yorumlar