Houston Builder Pleads Guilty to $1.5 Million Wire Fraud Scheme
A 39-year-old Houston man, Brett Michael Detamore, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Detamore, who operated as a custom home builder through Detamore Development LLC, fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million for personal use by misappropriating funds intended for residential construction.
Detamore admitted to submitting false invoices to banks holding construction loans for single-family homes he was contracted to build. The fraudulent invoices led the banks to disburse funds to accounts controlled by Detamore, which he then used for personal purposes.
In his plea agreement, Detamore has agreed to forfeit at least $1.5 million obtained through his fraudulent activities.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 5 before U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks. Detamore faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and full restitution to the affected homeowners.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the West University Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Lansden and Suzanne Elmilady.
