Frommer facing more felony charges

ASPEN — Peter Frommer, who allegedly bilked various Aspenites and businesses out of thousands of dollars, was charged with 18 additional felony counts Monday. Frommer now faces 29 criminal counts in Pitkin County - the details of which allege fraud or theft of nearly $250,000.

Court documents also state the FBI has opened an investigation into Frommer's California activities. In that state, he faces dozens of civil lawsuits, in addition to 10 filed in Pitkin County. Reports indicate the Los Angeles Sheriff's department is also investigating fraud claims.

Assistant District Attorney Gail Nichols' motion Monday added new felony counts, recommended an increase in bond from $27,500 to $50,000, and requested Frommer be required to leave his passport with the court. Documents allege Frommer was disingenuous about promising to pay back locals for money borrowed or services rendered and has not been able to retain a lawyer, though he has promised the court he will have representation by April 2. Victims in the alleged crimes range from the Hotel Jerome and the Aspen Skiing Co. to single individuals and large national banks.

In the new charges, Nichols detailed what is known as a check-kiting scheme, which Frommer allegedly used to steal $71,000 from an Aspen bank in January.

Court documents state that between Jan. 26 and 31, Frommer deposited four Vectra Bank checks totaling $68,250 and an American National Bank check for $4,300 into a U.S. Bank account. Soon after, Frommer allegedly withdrew more than $71,000 in cash, though all of his deposited checks bounced.

"This is a classic check kiting scheme and U.S. Bank is out that $71,000 in cash," reads Nichols' motion. "A conviction of the Theft Series charged in Count 24 alone exposes defendant to a possible four to 12 years in prison."

Nichols said Frommer doesn't realistically face more than four to 12 years because he has no prior convictions and that is the range for the most egregious felony with which he is charged.

Frommer split with his first lawyer after a breakdown in the attorney/client relationship. He had failed to secure representation at his last court appearance. District Court Judge James Boyd allowed him another two weeks but warned that his patience was running thin.

Frommer is scheduled to appear in Pitkin County District Court in Aspen on April 2 at 10:30 a.m.

Joel Stonington's e-mail address is jstonington@aspentimes.com