HOUSTON — A 39-year-old West University man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced Friday.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 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 indictment charging him with one count of wire fraud, federal prosecutors said. Detamore 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. Detamore then used the funds for his personal benefit.
Detamore was also the focus of an extensive search in June 2023 after his wife had reported him missing and his burned truck was found in Bear Creek Park.
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Several agencies joined the search for the father of three who was found "dazed and disheveled" at a San Antonio bus stop nearly a week later, according to Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen. Precinct 1 officers who "specialize in mental health operations" took Detamore to a Houston hospital to be evaluated and treated.
After his disappearance, KHOU 11 reported that he faced multiple civil lawsuits claiming he defaulted on business loans totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. One lawsuit accuses Detamore of using the money for his "lavish lifestyle" which included trips to luxurious resorts, expensive vehicles, a beach home and major sporting events like the Super Bowl and World Series.
The lawsuit also says Detamore faked his disappearance.
Then on Aug. 9, he was charged with wire fraud.
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.