Fyre Festival Organizer Billy McFarland Arrested On Wire Fraud Charge

He could face up to 20 years in prison.

June 30, 2017

A post shared by FYRE FESTIVAL (@fyrefestival) on


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A post shared by FYRE FESTIVAL (@fyrefestival) on


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Billy McFarland, one of the organizers behind the now infamous Fyre Festival disaster, was arrested by the FBI on Friday on one count of wire fraud. The US Department of Justice announced McFarland's arrest in a statement released Friday night.

“As alleged, William McFarland promised a 'life changing' music festival but in actuality delivered a disaster," said acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon Kim. "McFarland allegedly presented fake documents to induce investors to put over a million dollars into his company and the fiasco called the Fyre Festival.”

McFarland could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

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In May, a New York Times report revealed that the FBI was investigating Fyre Media for "possible mail, wire, and securities fraud."

Fyre Festival Organizer Billy McFarland Arrested On Wire Fraud Charge