Houston Republic

A 39-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Brett Michael Detamore, operating as a custom home builder under Detamore Development LLC, fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million for his personal use by misusing funds intended for the construction of private residences.

Detamore pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with one count of wire fraud. He submitted false and fraudulent invoices to banks holding construction loans for single-family residences he had been contracted to build. The false invoices caused the banks to send funds to bank accounts Detamore controlled, which he then used for his personal benefit.

As part of his plea agreement, Detamore agreed to forfeit at least $1.5 million he illegally obtained.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing on Nov. 5. At that time, Detamore faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as full restitution to the victim homeowners.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the West University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Lansden and Suzanne Elmilady are prosecuting the case.