Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Victor Paleologus often portrayed himself as a well-connected figure in Southern California’s entertainment industry — a record company executive, a movie producer, someone with links to the James Bond franchise. In reality, he was a failed restaurant owner and “master manipulator” who faked those credentials and, from 1989 to 2003, lured nine women into vulnerable and sometimes terrifying situations, prosecutors alleged at the time. Some of the women said they were choked.
Authorities learned from Johnson’s roommate that Paleologus had pitched Johnson — who aspired to work in the film industry — on appearing in a James Bond movie, the Santa Monica police detective who investigated the case, Virginia Obenchain, told “Dateline.” Among the items he told her to bring to a supposed audition: black high heels, a miniskirt, a white dress shirt and sheer pantyhose.
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