Robbing Hollywood's A-List Evidence Files

From an early age, Dana Giacchetto dreamed of fame and fortune. In 1987, he establishes The Cassandra Group "to offer creative financial solutions that build financial security, stability, and reassurance for those in the arts." (Source: The Boston Herald)

In the early 1990s, Rich Jensen is general manager at Sub Pop Records in Seattle. Giacchetto surpasses all expectations when he engineers a $20 million-deal that sends a minority share of the label to Warner Music Group. Giacchetto pockets $1 million from the deal and earns a reputation as a champion of artists. (Source: Kurtis Productions)

In 1996, Dana Giacchetto meets a 21-year-old up-and-coming actor named Leonardo DiCaprio. The young actor signs on as a Cassandra client and soon becomes a close friend to Giacchetto. DiCaprio was one of many A-list stars who chose The Cassandra Group to mange their money. (Source: AP Graphics Bank)

Dana befriends most of his clients, including theatre and film producer Victoria Leacock Hoffman. He even hosts a party for Leacock Hoffman's friend, actress Molly Ringwald. (Source: Victoria Leacock Hoffman)

Emily White's husband invests with Cassandra, and the couple befriends Giacchetto. Later, Emily pens a book about her former friend and his dramatic rise and fall. (Source: Kurtis Productions)

In the fall of 1999, the rock band "Phish" notices nearly $5 million missing from their accounts. The band threatens to sue, but Giacchetto quietly settles. His star power is fading, and the financial star seems to be going down in flames. (Source: AP GraphicsBank)

In October 1999, Tobey Maguire joins the exodus from Giacchetto's troubled Cassandra Group. Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz also sever ties. Within a one week period, Giacchetto loses 17 clients. His investment firm goes broke. (Source: AP GraphicsBank)

By December 1999, Giacchetto's famous clients are deserting him. Media accounts of the exodus catch the attention of Alexander Vasilescu at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. An investigation leads to charges against Giacchetto and a warrant for his arrest. (Source: Kurtis Productions)

As a court date nears and evidence mounts against him, Dana Giacchetto pleads guilty to one count of fraud. He is sentenced to nearly five years. Good behavior helps earn him an early release after three years. (Source: AP GraphicsBank)