Charles B. Hensley

Charles B. Hensley is an American businessman. In 1997 he invented and developed Zicam, a homeopathic patent medicine for the common cold.

Pharmaceuticals
In 1997, he invented and developed Zicam, a homeopathic patent medicine for the common cold.

In 2001, he formed PRB Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop antiviral drugs aimed at emerging viral disease. In 2011, after a six-year investigation, Hensley was charged with federal violations stemming from his marketing a drug for bird flu without FDA approval. Subsequently, all charges save one misdemeanor were dropped. Hensley was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 400 hours of community service.

Desilu
In 2016, Hensley and his partners acquired the registered trademark for Desilu, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's defunct production company. In 2018, Desilu Studios filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against CBS over the Desilu mark. CBS subsequently filed a counter-suit against Hensley, Desilu Corporation and Desilu Studios.

On August 10, 2022, federal prosecutors in Los Angeles indicted Hensley on fraud and identity theft charges, alleging he used the Desilu name to scam investors. Hensley has been charged with 11 counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said Hensley collected $331,000 from investors, money that was used for his personal expenses including trips to Las Vegas.