Prosecutors: Businessman guided polygamists in fraud scheme

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Prosecutors say a California businessman with ties to Turkey teamed up with a pair of Utah polygamists to defraud the U.S. out of nearly $500 million from a biodiesel fuel program. The attorney said Thursday during opening statements in Salt Lake City that the men joined up with Lev Aslan Dermen in exchange for protection from prosecution from what he called his “umbrella” of law enforcement and government sources. Dermen has pleaded not guilty to money laundering and other charges. The polygamists pleaded guilty to charges in the scheme and are expected to testify against Dermen during the trial.