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 wire fraud in a $1.7 million scheme involving friends and church
In Mint Hill, North Carolina, Brian Haigler, a local realtor and real estate investor, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud stemming from a scheme that defrauded multiple victims of over $1.5 million.
Details of the Scheme
The case centers around Haigler’s fraudulent activities from February 2019 through December 2021, during which he convinced friends and acquaintances to invest in real estate projects and other ventures. He assured investors their funds would be used for property purchases, renovations, or legitimate real estate investments. However, prosecutors allege that Haigler instead diverted the money for personal expenses and to pay earlier investors—a practice characteristic of a Ponzi scheme.
The largest individual investment came from Lester Rivenbark, who invested $150,000 with the expectation of earning approximately $15,000 within three months. Rivenbark was promised quick returns but reportedly received no profits and was left without his initial investment. Rivenbark indicated he trusted Haigler partly because he was perceived as a Christian and claimed to be affiliated with Living Praise Church of God in Monroe.
Church Involvement and Embezzlement
In addition to the real estate fraud, federal investigators allege that Haigler embezzled approximately $389,000 from his church, using church funds without approval between July 2019 and December 2021. The church in question has not been publicly identified in court filings. Haigler also used the church’s name to illegally secure a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan worth $311,000 through the COVID-19 pandemic relief program, known as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which was part of the CARES Act. Despite lacking authorization from church leadership, he obtained the loan and used the funds for personal purposes.
Investors’ Concerns and Suspicious Activity
Investors, including Rivenbark, expressed suspicion after Haigler had difficulty aligning paperwork with banks, which raised doubts about the legitimacy of his transactions. Federal prosecutors contend that Haigler made false statements to recruit new investors, claiming their money would finance property deals and improvements. Instead, he allegedly used funds to cover prior investors’ returns and fund personal expenses.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Haigler was formally charged with wire fraud in late June. His criminal activities reportedly began in early 2019, with allegations that he misappropriated more than $1 million from investors during this period. Despite reaching a plea agreement, specific details of the settlement have not been made public.
Haigler acknowledged the scheme related to the EIDL loan to his church pastor in March 2022. As part of his guilty plea, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is pending, and no information has been released regarding the potential recovery of investors’ funds or the status of the victims involved.
Additional Details and Unresolved Questions
His wife, involved in the operation of S&B Real Estate Investments, has not been charged with any crimes related to the case. Investigators have not disclosed the identities of other victims or specific details about the church involved, citing privacy and ongoing investigations.
Implications and Public Awareness
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and due diligence when managing or investing church or personal funds. It underscores the need for oversight mechanisms to prevent financial misconduct within organizations and personal transactions alike. As the court process continues, authorities warn that similar schemes may still be ongoing, urging the public to verify credentials and seek transparent investment opportunities.
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HERE Resources
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
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