Under Investigation: The inside story of the Florida Attorney General’s investigation of Wilhelmina Scouting Network, the largest model and talent scam in America.

ISBN-0968713335 Paperback 512 pages $29.95

Modeling Agency News

Modeling Scouts Run Less-Than-Model Company

"Contact 4 investigated Options' alleged connections, and found most didn't pan out. Don Johnson has nothing to do with the company, that from his agent who says he's asked Options to stop using Johnson's name. Max Azria of BCBG? He too says he never authorized the use of his name. And we found more. J.R. Larsen is indeed a super model for Ford, the top modeling agency in the country, but Ford president Katie Ford told us they didn't use Options to find J.R. In fact, they've never used Options Talent. And the Elite Agency, shown in an Options Talent Group brochure as praising the company, denies any link to Options, telling us they're upset by the use of their name."¹

1. "Modeling Scouts Run Less-Than-Model Company," KRON, May 2002.

http://www.kron.com/Global/story.asp?S=780825

(E-Models, Options Talent)

A Model Profession: The Hard Realities of The Modeling Biz

"Katie Ford, CEO of Ford Models, Inc., says those interested in modeling should attend open calls at or send snapshots to reputable agencies in large markets. Most big agencies offer open calls at least once a week."¹

1. Tamar Wilner, "A Model Profession: The Hard Realities of The Modeling Biz," Metro Pulse, Jan. 15, 2002.

http://www.metropulse.com/dir_zine/dir_2002/1214/t_gamut.html

Modeling Aspirations Could Cost You

"There's a new modeling company in Central Florida that could be approaching you about making you or your child a very rich model. But first they want you to spend hundreds of dollars. Our Action 9 investigation uncovers this modeling company is related to one we've warned you about before."¹

1. Todd Ulrich, "Modeling Aspirations Could Cost You," EyeWitness News 9, May 9, 2002.

http://www.icflorida.com/partners/wftv/consumer/models_05092002.html

(Options Talent)

Talent Scout Arrested for Sexual Abuse

"Former employees say they were sexually harassed and saw their boss inappropriately touch clients during interviews.... Harris was arrested Thursday after an 18-year-old filed charges alleging Harris touched her inappropriately."¹

1. "Talent Scout Arrested for Sexual Abuse," NBC 13, Aug. 29, 2002.

http://www.nbc13.com/News/1640741/detail.html

(Options Talent Group)

Talent Scout Accused Of Sex Abuse Out On Bond

"A talent scout arrested on sex abuse charges is out of jail after posting a $10,000 bond. Justin Harris, the owner of Options Talent Group in Vestavia Hills, denied to NBC13's Kathy Times that he sexually abused a client. "It's not true," he said. But former employees say they were sexually harassed and saw their boss inappropriately touch clients during interviews."¹

1. "Talent Scout Accused Of Sex Abuse Out On Bond," NBC 13, Aug. 30, 2002.

http://www.nbc13.com/news/1642547/detail.html

(Options Talent Group)

Talent Agent Charged

"[Talent agent Cathi] Larsen say any physical contact should [have] sent up a red flag. “No touching should be involved ever, except shaking hands or measurements. If it’s a girl, a woman should do that,” said Larsen."¹

1. "Talent Agent Charged," CBS 42, Aug. 2002.

http://www.wiat.com/MGB845YLI5D.html

(Options Talent Group)

Models Protest

"Some local would-be models will finally get their money back after weeks of protests.... The scouts ask for $496, and promise young models their picture will be posted on an agency web page. But some teenagers say the company doesn't follow-up and is hard to reach. Now Options has told them they will get their money back."¹

1. Brandi Davis, "Models Protest," WECT 6 Wilmington, May 9, 2002.

http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=776289&nav=2gQa8vqq

(Options Talent Group)

Modeling Scouts: An Action News Special Report

"One of the companies mentioned – Elite Models in New York City – says it is not working with Options Talent and it's asked Options Talent to stop mentioning its name in any way, shape or form. We also checked with [a] leading local modeling firm. Virginia Doyle of the Reinhard Agency [said]: "As an agency, we certainly wouldn't look at a web site looking for models."¹

1. "Modeling Scouts: An Action News Special Report," ABC News 6 Philadelphia, May 6, 2002.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/features/05062002_SR_modeling.html

(Options Talent Group)