A 67-year-old man has turned fugitive after failing to appear for sentencing in a Santa Clara County courtroom last month. Identified as Dennis Fountaine, he has been convicted of conning investors out upwards of $350,000 by feigning as a tech inventor. According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, Fountaine was due for sentencing on August 5, following his May 20 conviction on three felony counts of grand theft by fraud.

This individual's history of fraud extends beyond the recent conviction. Fountaine held a reputation for creating bogus companies and websites and using falsified articles to enhance his image as a credible inventor and investor. His schemes often involved convincing people to loan him money for these non-existent inventions. District Attorney Jeff Rosen criticized Fountaine's actions, as per the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office: "The man pretended he was an inventor, but he won't be able to pretend for long that he’s not a wanted fugitive. Let us know where he is so we can make sure he doesn’t scam anyone else." Rosen's request indicates a keen desire to halt any further deceit by Fountaine.

Fountaine's cons have spanned across states, with civil judgments for breach of contract and fraud recorded in California and Florida. One venture in Florida involved a company named Screen Test, under the guise of developing a so-called "Face Replacement Technology." This technology was touted to allow individuals to replace actors or singers in any visual medium digitally. Using this fabricated proposition, he secured millions in loans from victims, the DA's report revealed.

The authorities are urging the public to aid in their search for Fountaine. Investigator Justin DeOliveira is the contact point for any information regarding Fountaine’s whereabouts. Anyone with potential leads is encouraged to call (408) 792-2420.