Houston custom home builder charged with misusing construction funds

HOUSTON - A criminal information has been filed against a 39-year-old Houstonian on a charge of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Brett Michael Detamore is set to make his initial appearance in federal court Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.

According to the information, Detamore operated as a custom home builder under Detamore Development LLC. The charges allege he fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million for his personal use by misusing funds intended for the construction of private residences.

Detamore allegedly 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, according to the allegations. Detamore then allegedly used the funds for his personal benefit.

The charges include a notice of forfeiture for any funds or property obtained as a result of the scheme.

If convicted, Detamore faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as full restitution to the victim home owners.

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

A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.