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Riley Perez (born: Darnell Riley Perez on May 14th, 1977) Occupation: Author, Producer, Poker player, Online Gambling owner

Work: ''What Is Real? The Life and Crimes of Darnell Riley'' (book) Publisher: Rare Bird Books 453 South Spring Street Suite 302 Los Angeles CA 90013 https://www.rarebirdbooks.com 213.623.1773          Distributor: Publishers Group West Publication: August 14th, 2018

Riley Perez (born Darnell Riley Perez on May 14th, 1977) is a Cuban-American writer, producer.

 Early Life________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Born in Los Angeles, California, Riley was raised in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles by his grandfather who instilled in him his Jewish faith. Riley attended Technische Hochschule Deggendorf in Germany while making a living as a day trader and maintaining a lucrative bookmaking business in Los Angeles with his mentor, the Jewish bookmaker- loan shark, Robert “Puggy” Zeichick and Matthew “Matty The Horse” Ianniello.

 Career__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Riley created software that he licensed to Washington Mutual and used the proceeds to start an online gaming site. His work in online gaming in the late 90’s allowed him to negotiate deals where he placed temporary tattoos on professional boxer’s backs during matches, a creative strategy that enraged promoters and cable networks whom he bypassed for advertising revenue.

In 2003, Riley assisted Rick Salomon in securing the distribution deal for the sex tape that Salomon filmed with then girlfriend, Paris Hilton. It was reported in court documents that Riley received $10,000 payment from Salomon for his part in securing the deal.

Riley has produced film and television and in 2017 had a favorable judgment against TMZ for copyright infringement.

 Crimes  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was reported that on January 22, 2004, Riley kidnapped the founder of Girls Gone Wild, Joe Francis at his Bel Air home and filmed him in a video that was later used to extort Joe Francis. Riley was arrested in March of 2005 for the crime after Joe Francis was alerted by Paris Hilton that Riley was the man that had kidnapped him a year prior. After a lengthy pre-trial, Riley who was represented by attorney Ronald Richards negotiated a 10 year plea bargain on reduced counts of robbery and extortion.

On the September 23, 200 Dateline NBC episode “The Paris Hilton Tapes” Paris Hilton denied the claim that Joe Francis made to the press that she was paying Riley $20,000 a month to keep other embarrassing videos off the market.

 Writing__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

While incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison, Riley began a journal after encouragement by his friend, the actor Scott Caan. After serving 9 years, he was paroled and wrote the memoir, ''What Is Real? The Life and Crimes of Darnell Riley'' in 9 days as a challenge to himself. What Is Real? details his life from day one of incarceration going forward.