The Region - News from Oct. 27, 1985

Two Los Angeles men have been convicted of mail fraud in connection with a “boiler room” solicitation operation in which they were a part. A federal court jury in Los Angeles returned the guilty verdicts on 12 counts against Laszlo Bossanyi, 42, and Akos Janos Deak, 34. Assistant U.S. Atty. Sharon Ellingsen, who prosecuted the case, said the two telephoned people living outside Southern California and told them they had won one of five possible “free” prizes--a home computer, a boat, a video cassette recorder, a color television set or an answering machine. Winners had to a pay fees ranging up to $129, however, to receive a gift. In many instances, Ellingsen said, no gift was ever received. Bossanyi and Deak face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $1,000 fine on each count. Sentencing was set for Dec. 2. Two other men indicted in the case, David Stein, 40, and Thomas Rolph, 38, both of Los Angeles, are fugitives.