Introduction to the Case
A Houston home developer, Brett Detamore, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for faking his own disappearance as part of a scheme to defraud investors. The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to wire fraud in August last year and was ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution to over 10 victims of the scheme.
The Scheme
Detamore submitted fraudulent invoices to banks holding construction loans for single-family residences he had been contracted to build. The false invoices led to banks sending funds to bank accounts controlled by Detamore, who obtained more than $1.5 million in the scheme intended to be used to construct the private residences. His company, Detamore Development, was at the center of a criminal investigation related to fraud allegations.
The Investigation
Local police received several complaints about Detamore’s business after he was reported missing by a family member in 2023. He was found six days later at a bus stop in San Antonio. His vehicle, a Dodge Ram that he allegedly purchased with the fraudulent money, was discovered engulfed in flames at Bear Creek Park on the morning of June 21, 2023. The West University Place Police Department suspected that the disappearance "may have been pre-planned."
Civil Lawsuit
A civil lawsuit filed against Detamore in 2023 accuses his development company of breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, and theft. The lawsuit alleges that he made periodic withdrawals from an investment account and used the money to support a lavish lifestyle, including attending major sporting events like the Super Bowl and World Series games.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Detamore was sentenced to 51 months followed by two years of supervised release. He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in Bastrop. His attorney declined to comment on the sentencing. The sentence brings closure to the victims of Detamore’s scheme, who will receive restitution for their losses.
Conclusion
The case of Brett Detamore serves as a reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Detamore’s scheme caused significant financial harm to his victims, and his sentence reflects the severity of his crimes. The outcome of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement and the justice system in protecting the public from fraudulent activities and bringing perpetrators to justice.
