Brett Detamore, the West University home developer who caught the public's attention after he faked his disappearance in 2023, was handed a prison sentence for wire fraud, a conclusion to a story that has unfolded over the past two years. Detamore will serve 51 months in federal prison as detailed by reports from KHOU.
The 40-year-old developer had earlier entered a guilty plea to federal charges that he schemed to divert funds from construction loans to his personal accounts, with the feds stating that he misused at least $1.5 million meant for the building of private residences, creating fake invoices that he submitted to banks; Detamore's elaborate plan unraveled nearly two years ago after his mysterious disappearance that sparked widespread search efforts until he was found disheveled at a bus stop in San Antonio, following the discovery of his charred truck in Bear Creek Park.
Detamore's case, as reported by Click2Houston, came to a head as he appeared in court today, where before the proceedings he shared embraces with several supporting family members and friends, and at the moment of sentencing, was ordered to pay a hefty $2,304,565.58 in restitution to the victims affected by his fraudulent activities.
During the court proceedings, the embattled developer also faced his victims, offering an apology and expressing his intent to make amends by focusing on repaying the victims, aiding those who struggle, and improving as a father. However, skepticism hung heavy as one of the victims, Sergio Moreno, reflected on the sincerity of Detamore's apology, saying "I think it’s a lie. I mean, he knew what he was doing the whole time," Moreno said. "He was very calculated about everything. And from the beginning. I mean, I don’t think it’s sincere," Moreno told Click2Houston.
With the legal process now reaching a close, Detamore awaits his impending surrender to federal prison, expected in the coming weeks. Williams, likely referring to Detamore's attorney, asked for the sentence to be served at Federal Corrections Institution, Bastrop in Bastrop, Texas. Following his stint in prison, a supervised release of two years will await him as part of his judgment.
