MALIBU —On March 15, a man received a sentencing of five and a half years in federal prison and was ordered to reimburse $2 million to victims of a fraudulent telemarketing operation that he conducted from a motel room in Tarzana.

Malibu resident Joshua Hoffman, 40, had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud nearly a year ago. Six other suspects had also been sentenced for their involvement in the scheme.

The suspects had reportedly sold advertising in publications that were found not to be legitimate, including American Black Employment Journal, Israel Today/Jewish News and Women’s World News. The plot cost 277 victims losses that were valued at $6 million.

The other defendants were Van Nuys residents 56-year-old Michael Boradzicz and 58-year-old Thomas Woods; 43-year-old Los Angeles resident Mark Scott; 55-year-old Calabasas resident Jeff Hillman; 63-year-old Woodland Hills resident Richard A. Bivona; and 63-year-old North Hollywood resident Frank Hightower.