$24 million to aid bilked customers

CINCINNATI — The U.S. Justice Department has released $24 million to pay people who bought products promising sexual enhancement and other benefits that were sold through fraudulent practices, authorities said Tuesday.

The money is from forfeitures by Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals founder Steve Warshak and 10 other executives. Warshak was convicted in 2008 of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering.

Among their products was Enzyte, touted as improving male sexual performance in commercials featuring a satisfied character known as “Smilin’ Bob.”

Company officials were accused of bilking thousands of customers who bought Cincinnati-based Berkeley’s herbal supplements by making unauthorized charges on their credit cards, refusing refunds, lying to banks and using false advertising.

Federal authorities said more than 138,000 claims have been approved for customers across the country, and new customer claims are being accepted through July 9.0