NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A Nashville man first exposed by NewsChannel 5 Investigates for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from veterans and others could end up spending the rest of his life in prison.
Ricky Lee Coleman Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal mail fraud, wire fraud and credit-card fraud charges.
Seven years ago, NewsChannel 5 Investigates discovered Coleman was running two companies that promised job training and placement services for bodyguards and counter-terrorism jobs.
When investigative reporter Jennifer Kraus went to his offices, before slamming the door in her face, he said, "You can leave now."
She asked, "Why won't you talk to us?"
Coleman replied, "I have no comment."
In federal court, Coleman admitted that some 2,600 people paid him collectively more than $900,000 hoping to get work, yet most got neither a job nor training. Coleman also admitted that he spent most of the money on himself and to recruit new customers.
He is set to be sentenced in August. He faces 115 years in prison and will have to pay more than $900,000 in restitution.
