A former Hollywood talent agent has been accused of embezzling $1.8 million from struggling actors, all while blaming bizarre circumstances such as “earthquakes” for their late payment. Mark Measures, the 60-year-old ex-owner of KMR Talent, now faces serious legal trouble after a grand jury in Manhattan unveiled a 40-count indictment against him.
According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Measures targeted around 160 actors desperate for work in competitive projects like “Law & Order” and various commercials. Reports indicate that he not only swindled these actors but also took money from six of his employees, further compounding his dishonest practices. This scheme, which spanned from June 2021 to March 2024, allowed Measures to live lavishly while many of his clients struggled financially.
District Attorney Bragg described the situation, stating, “Instead of paying actors and employees, the defendant used their hard-earned money to support his extravagant lifestyle.” Measures allegedly used the stolen funds to finance high-end purchases, from luxury clothing brands like Zegna and Saks Fifth Avenue to expensive seats at events such as the Los Angeles Lakers games, where he reportedly splurged over $55,000.
Measures’s tactics to avoid paying his clients were quite elaborate. He frequently cited a blend of excuses ranging from banking issues to natural disasters to justify the delays in payment. Ultimately, he ceased communication altogether with many of his clients, leaving them to wonder about the fate of their earnings.
For instance, actor Joe Gately, who has appeared in shows like “Law & Order” and “Blue Bloods,” expressed his anger, noting that Measures owed him $6,500 for work completed in 2021. “He’s a thief,” Gately said outside the courtroom, clearly frustrated after learning more about the extent of Measures’ deceit.
Victims emerged, fuming over the deep financial impacts of Measures’s actions. One email revealed a client pleading for funds intended for critical medical treatments, including IVF. “I am in the doctor’s office in tears as you’ve put me in a really challenging financial position by stealing almost $20,000 from me,” the person wrote, highlighting the severe consequences of Measures’s alleged theft.
In addition to defrauding actors, Measures is also accused of pilfering $26,000 meant for the retirement accounts of employees at his New York office. This breach of trust emphasizes the troubling ethics of someone who was in a position of authority over vulnerable individuals in the entertainment industry.
At his arraignment, Measures pleaded not guilty but declined to deny any wrongdoing regarding the missing money. Judge Althea Drysdale, presiding over the case, took a firm stance, demanding that he surrender his passport and remain available to appear in court when required, stressing the seriousness of the charges against him.
KMR Talent, which operated under the governance of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, was suspended in March 2024. This action reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the necessity for accountability in the industry.
Officials have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, encouraging any more potential victims to come forward with their stories. The aim is not just to bring Measures to justice but to highlight issues that can arise in an industry that often preys on those seeking fame and fortune.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in business dealings and the impact unethical actions can have on hardworking individuals. As many actors navigate the difficult landscape of a competitive industry, the hope is that justice will be served for those who’ve been wronged. Measures is scheduled to return to court on July 15, as the legal battle unfolds.
