The co-conspirator of disgraced radio personality Craig Carton was sentenced to a year and nine months in prison in Manhattan federal court Thursday for his involvement in a $2 million ticket fraud scheme.
Michael Wright, Carton — the former WFAN sports radio host of “Boomer and Carton” — and Joseph Meli were all convicted for their roles in defrauding investors. in a bulk event-ticket reselling business.
The men used millions of dollars of investors’ money to pay off other investors and personal expenses, including $600,000 used to pay off Carton’s gambling debts.
Wright — a manager at Sapphire strip-club — wept as he made a statement to the judge in which he asked for leniency and claimed he was seduced by Carton.
“[Carton] radiated energy and a drive that drew me in,” said Wright, 42.
“I was a bit awed and flattered. I went into the ticket business because I believed in Craig Carton…I allowed myself to be blinded by him.
“For too long a time, I just didn’t question him,” Wright continued.
Manhattan Federal Judge Colleen McMahon said, “There is no difference between what you did and what Bernie Madoff did accept the scale of it — and $2 million is no mean sum.”
Wright pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud last September for which he faced up to 20 years in prison.
Wright — of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey — has to turn himself in on June 10 to federal authorities. Restitution will be set at a later date.
Carton — who was convicted in November of securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy — is slated to be sentenced on April 5. He faces up to 45 years in prison though he will likely get far less time because of federal sentencing guidelines.
Meli is currently serving a 6 ½ year prison term after pleading guilty to securities fraud in October 2017.



