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 Multi-Million Dollar Wire Fraud Scheme
In a significant legal development, Brian Haigler, a Mint Hill real estate agent, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to a scheme that defrauded investors and church funds, totaling over $1.7 million. The case exposes fraudulent activities spanning several years and involving multiple victims, including friends, investors, and his own church.
The Charges and Guilty Plea
Federal prosecutors allege that Haigler, who operated alongside his wife under S&B Real Estate Investments, engaged in a pattern of deception beginning in February 2019. Despite only Haigler being charged, his wife has not faced any criminal charges. Haigler recently pled guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and is facing potential sentencing of up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled in the near future, with details of his plea agreement remaining confidential.
Alleged Fraudulent Activities and Methods
The scheme involved recruiting investors under false pretenses, with Haigler assuring them their funds would be allocated towards real estate investments and property improvements. However, investigators report that he diverted these funds for personal expenses and to pay previous investors, functions characteristic of a Ponzi scheme. From February 2019 until December 2021, Haigler is accused of defrauding over $1 million from investors.
In addition to investor funds, Haigler misappropriated church resources. Between July 2019 and December 2021, investigators estimate that he embezzled approximately $389,000 from his church, Living Praise Church of God, located in Monroe. Notably, Haigler obtained a $311,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) in April 2021 by falsely representing the church’s eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts.
Deception and Bank Difficulties
Challenges with paperwork and bank alignments raised suspicions among investors during the process. Despite these difficulties, Haigler used misleading statements to retain trust, claiming that funds would be used for property transactions and improvements. Court documents reveal that Haigler used the church’s name illegally to secure the SBA loan, without church approval, complicating matters further.
Religious Affiliation and Trust Factors
Haigler’s association with the Living Praise Church of God likely contributed to investor confidence, as some individuals, including the investor Lester Rivenbark, trusted Haigler partly because of his reputation within the church community. Rivenbark, an investor who contributed $150,000, expressed regret for not demanding more detailed documentation prior to investing and felt he was misled.
Investors and Losses
The identities of many victims remain undisclosed due to court confidentiality. The case highlights the risks of inadequate oversight and the importance of rigorous financial checks, especially with faith-based organizations. Whether victims will recover their lost funds has not been publicly detailed, leaving questions about restitution unanswered at this time.
Legal and Financial Background
Court records show Haigler was first charged in late June with wire fraud, with involvement in similar fraudulent schemes dating back to February 2019. The defendant made false statements to attract investors and secure funds, which were then diverted for personal gain or to sustain the appearance of ongoing investments, reminiscent of a Ponzi operation.
Exploitation of Church Funds and COVID Relief
Part of Haigler’s deception involved using the church’s name to obtain a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan under the CARES Act COVID relief program. He admitted to the church’s pastor in March 2022 that he had improperly obtained the loan. This loan, targeted at helping pandemic-affected small businesses, was used without proper authorization and has become a key element of the federal investigation.
Implications and Preventive Lessons
The case underscores the importance of implementing strict financial controls within religious and community organizations to prevent embezzlement and fraud. It also serves as a reminder for investors to conduct thorough due diligence, especially when approached with investment opportunities promoted by trusted associates or community leaders.
As Haigler awaits sentencing, investigations continue to determine whether other victims will recover their investments. The case remains a cautionary example of the need for vigilance in managing financial affairs and detecting early signs of potential fraud.
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Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: Realtor Ripped Off Friends and Church
- WCNC: Mint Hill NC Realtor Wire Fraud
- Ministry Watch: NC Realtor Pleads Guilty
- Wikipedia: Wire Fraud
- Charlotte Observer: Real Estate News
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
