Prosecutors: Randolph Man Falsely Claimed He Created 'Kung Fu Panda'

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts man who claims he first came up with the 2008 animated movie Kung Fu Panda is facing federal wire fraud charges for allegedly trying to defraud DreamWorks Animation.

Jayme Gordon pleaded not guilty in Boston federal court Monday to four counts of wire fraud and three counts of perjury. The 51-year-old Randolph, Massachusetts resident was released on an unsecured bond. He's due back in court Jan. 25.

Prosecutors say Gordon fabricated and backdated his sketches and drawings, lied repeatedly during his deposition and destroyed computer evidence as he tried to further a copyright infringement suit filed in 2011.

Characters drawn by Jayme Gordon (Image credit Department of Justice)

Gordon claimed the hit movie was based on a story he'd written called "Panda Power." He sought $12 million from the California-based studio. Gordon's lawyer didn't immediately comment Monday.

Po and Master Shifu from "Kung Fu Panda" (Image credit Department of Justice)