Man pleads guilty to forging signature of Mets' Jeff Wilpon

NEW YORK -- A man who forged the signature of New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon as part of a scheme that cheated investors out of $3.5 million has pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Michael Conway of Verona, New Jersey, entered the plea Thursday in Brooklyn federal court.

Authorities say he forged lease agreements with the Mets and others while asking investors to give him money to buy office equipment, then pocketed most of the money.

Authorities said he incorrectly spelled Wilpon's first name on forged Mets letterhead that purported to authorize a contract.

U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers says Conway could get up to 20 years in prison. He'll also have to pay restitution as part of his plea agreement.