Former Shark Tank contestant John DePaola was arrested last week in a cocaine distribution ring bust in New Jersey, according to NJ.com. DePaola was one of nine people who were charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine following a nine-month investigation which was known as "Operation Snowball." The operation was believed to be moving two-thirds of a pound of cocaine every week.
In 2014, DePaola rose to fame following his appearance, alongside his cousin and friend, on the ABC show Shark Tank. The trio sought an investor for their Paint Brush Cover company. The ultimate goal of their invention was to prevent a wet paintbrush from getting dried out. Lori Griener extended a $200,000 offer to help get the idea off the ground. In a matter of nine months, the Paint Brush Cover went from amassing $35,000 in sales to landing in 14,000 stores nationwide where it made a reported $1.5 million.
DePaola's lawyer, Herbert Ellis, says that the charges made against DePaola were "a mistake," adding that his client is a "highly regarded individual in the community."
