Alleged Phony Rockefeller Heir Arraigned

NEW YORK (AP) — A Frenchman accused of posing as a Rockefeller heir to swindle wealthy acquaintances out of more than $1.5 million has pleaded innocent to federal fraud charges.

Christopher Rocancourt, 36, was arraigned Friday on 11 counts including charges of passport fraud and credit card fraud, and was ordered held without bail. He was extradited last month from Canada, where he was arrested in 2000.

Prosecutors have accused Rocancourt of pretending to be a nonexistent Rockefeller heir, royalty and a Formula One racing driver while bilking victims, allegedly by promising fantastic returns on investments and demanding cash up front for expenses.

He faces up to 6 1/2 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Rocancourt also faces charges of fraud and grand larceny in suburban Suffolk County, and passport fraud and weapons possession in California. He pleaded guilty to fraud charges last year in Canada.

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