YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A guilty plea has been entered by a former Austintown man who prosecutors say was the mastermind of the biggest case of domestic fraud in the history of the online auction site eBay.

Clifton Panezich, 30, pleaded guilty Tuesday to engaging in a pattern in corrupt activity, aggravated theft, three counts of forgery, telecommunications fraud, identity fraud, and money laundering.

Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor Martin Desmond Tells 21 News that it is being recommended that Panezich be given a sentence of three to seven years in prison.

Panezich is one of three men from the Mahoning Valley who were named in a 22 count indictment after rejecting plea deals in the case.

Investigators also claimed that Girard resident, Craig McCormick, 33; and Jason Moore, 30, of West Farmington were part of a scheme involving phony autographs on sports memorabilia that cheated 25,000 people out of more than $2-million.

Moore pleaded guilty to charges similar to those filed against Panezich, and awaits sentencing.

McCormick was arraigned on his charges Tuesday. The judge did not set bond because he fled to Nevada with Panezich.

Panezich's mother, 62-year-old Rose Mary Panezich, and five other men pleaded guilty earlier to charges for their parts in the alleged scheme to obtain footballs, posters, sports cards and other sports memorabilia that had been forged with the names of professional athletes.

Investigators say that certificates of authenticity were also forged to accompany the memorabilia, which would be sold on eBay.

The money made from the sales was allegedly laundered through bank accounts belonging to other people.

Panezich's mother is being allowed to serve her probation and one year electronically monitored house arrest at her Henderson, Nevada home, where both she and her son had moved before they were charged.