A self-proclaimed concert promoter is facing the music after being slapped with fraud charges over a scam involving big-name artists like Beyonce and Nicki Minaj. Carlos Desean Goodspeed, 43, allegedly duped investors out of over a million bucks, under the guise of his company, “Straight Like That Entertainment,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The supposed music expert was arrested at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and had his first day in court on Thursday, states U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton's office. Goodspeed is accused of promising pie-in-the-sky returns, up to 50%, on investments in shows for stars like Minaj, Future, and Tyler, the Creator. In a typical hustle, he reportedly convinced one victim to fork over $400,000 in July 2018, promising a whopping $650,000 return in just four months.
But instead of bringing the promised payday, the indictment details how Goodspeed played a shell game with the cash. On the same day the money was wired to his business, he supposedly siphoned off $200,000 to cover his tracks in an SEC lawsuit, sent $20,000 to another bamboozled investor, and pocketed a cool $100,000 for himself. The investor, left holding the bag, only got a tiny slice of their hefty stake back.
Brazenly, Goodspeed is said to have hit up another investor in January 2022 for $50,000, claiming the cash was earmarked for concert tickets and suites at an upcoming Tyler, the Creator gig. Following the concert, the excuses started flowing like a broken tap, with the promise of returns after more shows that never materialized. Unwittingly, the investor sent over another $130,000, only to allegedly find their money was funding Goodspeed's luxe lifestyle and placating other hoodwinked backers.
With the FBI's Dallas Field Office leading the investigation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Hunter is rolling out the prosecution on this high-stakes case. Should the courtroom play out as prosecutors hope, Goodspeed could be looking at up to 60 years in the slammer if convicted on all counts.
Despite the damning allegations, it's important to note that an indictment isn't a conviction. Goodspeed has the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. But as the judicial gears grind on, those swindled might be taking small comfort in that, given their million-dollar losses.
For now, Carlos Desean Goodspeed remains free, waiting to see whether his future will involve headlining shows behind bars or an acquittal. – Erin Dooley, Press Officer, can be reached for further information regarding this case.
