Mint Hill Realtor Admits to $1.7 Million Wire Fraud Scheme

A courtroom scene representing the legal proceedings of a wire fraud case involving a realtor.

News Summary

Mint Hill real estate agent Brian Haigler has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges involving over $1.7 million. His scheme exploited investors and church funds, raising concerns over financial ethics in the community. Haigler faces severe legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment and a plea agreement yet to be publicly disclosed.

Mint Hill, North Carolina – Realtor Pleads Guilty to $1.7 Million Wire Fraud Scheme

A prominent real estate agent from Mint Hill has admitted to federal charges of wire fraud related to a multi-million-dollar scheme involving friends, church funds, and false loan applications. The case highlights significant concerns over fraud within the local real estate and religious communities.

Overview of the Case

Brian Haigler, a Mint Hill-based realtor and operator of S&B Real Estate Investments, pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a complex scheme that defrauded investors, including friends and members of his church, out of approximately $1.7 million. The scheme involved misleading financial representations, embezzlement from his church, and illegal attempts to secure pandemic relief loans. Sentencing for Haigler is scheduled, and he faces a potential prison term of up to 20 years.

Details of the Fraudulent Activities

According to federal prosecutors, Haigler engaged in deceptive practices over several years, beginning in February 2019. He promised investors their funds would be used for real estate investments and property improvements. However, instead of fulfilling these promises, Haigler diverted the money for personal expenses and to pay earlier investors, resembling a Ponzi scheme.

Investors, including Lester Rivenbark, were reportedly convinced to invest substantial amounts with the understanding that they would see profits within months. Rivenbark, who invested $150,000, expected a return of $15,000 within three months but received no such profit. Rivenbark expressed regret for not obtaining more documentation during the investment process, feeling he was taken advantage of based on Haigler’s reputation in the community.

Between February 2019 and December 2021, Haigler is accused of defrauding investors of over $1 million. Supporting this, investigators found that Haigler’s activities included lying about the use of funds and falsely claiming to have secured developments and property contracts.

Embezzlement and Misappropriation of Funds

In addition to investor fraud, Haigler is alleged to have embezzled approximately $389,000 from his church, Living Praise Church of God in Monroe, from July 2019 through December 2021. Court documents state that he withdrew funds for personal use and unauthorized expenses.

Further, Haigler unlawfully used the church’s name to apply for and receive a $311,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA), intended to aid businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic under the CARES Act. Haigler admitted in March 2022 that he had obtained the loan without the church’s approval, raising concerns about misuse of church property and funds.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Haigler was formally charged with wire fraud in late June. Court records reveal he had been engaged in fraudulent activities since at least February 2019. He allegedly made false statements to recruit investors and used their funds for various personal and non-investment expenses.

Although Haigler’s wife was involved in operating S&B Real Estate Investments, she has not faced any criminal charges related to the case. Prosecutors have not disclosed the identities of victims or the specific details of the church involved in the case publicly.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Haigler recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a move that could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The details of his plea agreement have not been made publicly available. Sentencing hearings will determine the final punishment, and it remains unclear whether investors will recover any of their lost funds.

Implications and Broader Context

The case underscores the importance of diligent financial oversight, especially within religious organizations where trusted community members manage funds. It also highlights the potential risks of trusting individuals in positions of authority based on personal relationships or perceived character qualities, such as faithfulness or community standing.

Authorities emphasize the need for transparency and checks and balances in both real estate transactions and church fund management to prevent such schemes from occurring in the future.

As the legal process continues, affected investors and community members await further developments, hoping for justice and possible avenues for recovery of their losses.