Man admits trying to sell employer’s ‘As Seen on TV’ secrets

NEWARK, N.J. » A New Jersey man accused of trying to sell trade secrets while working for a company that distributes “As Seen On TV” products has pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Federal prosecutors say Ralph Mandil entered his plea Tuesday. The 38-yearold West Long Branch man faces up to 20 years in prison when he’s sentenced in January.

Mandil’s employer distributed appliances, beauty care products, fitness gadgets, outdoor goods and other items frequently marketed via television ads and commonly sold at large retailers.

Authorities say Mandil offered to give up his employer’s business information to federal agents posing as New Jersey-based market competitors during a two-month period last year.

They say Mandil provided the agents with samples of information he was willing to steal and offered to provide them access to a computer storage account in return for money.

Member of Kennedy family pays fine after arrest at party

BARNSTABLE, MASS. » Authorities in Massachusetts have dismissed a disorderly conduct charge against a Kennedy family member who was arrested last month after complaints about a loud party.

Matthew “Max” Kennedy appeared in Barnstable (BAHRN’-stuh-buhl) District Court on Tuesday. He was found responsible for a noise violation and paid a $150 fine.

Police say officers responded to a Hyannis (hy-AN’-ihs) Port home Aug. 20 for noise complaints. Kennedy and his daughter, 22-year-old Caroline Kennedy, were taken into custody.

The Boston Globe reports Matthew Kennedy says in a statement he’s “happy this matter is resolved.”

Caroline Kennedy is to be arraigned Nov. 22, the 54th anniversary of the assassination of her great uncle President John F. Kennedy. It’s unclear if she has an attorney.

Matthew Kennedy is the ninth child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy.