Magic Johnson's name used in coronavirus cure scam

A California man was arrested Wednesday for claiming he developed a cure for the COVID-19 virus and allegedly using Magic Johnson's name to try to solicit investments in his company.

Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 53, was charged with one count of attempted wire fraud in connection with the scheme, according to Reuters' Sarah N. Lynch.

Middlebrook "claimed to have personally developed a 'patent-pending cure' and a treatment that prevents coronavirus infection," the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement. He also falsely claimed that Johnson was a board member of his company, Quantum Prevention CV Inc.

The FBI contacted Christina Francis, president of Magic Johnson Enterprises, who confirmed the former Lakers star wasn't involved in the scheme and had "never met, spoken to or seen this individual," according to Matthew Ormseth of the Los Angeles Times.

Middlebrook is scheduled to appear in federal court Thursday.