For seven years, Brookeville resident William Bugg turned big-game fandom into what prosecutors say was a full-time scam. On Friday, the 58-year-old admitted in Montgomery County Circuit Court that he ran a fraud that pulled nearly $280,000 from a dozen people by selling fake access to luxury suites for the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens and Washington Capitals. Prosecutors say the scheme ran from February 2019 through February 2026 and promised victims returns on investments that never materialized. Bugg also allegedly posed as the owner of a landscaping company to solicit money for bogus projects, taking payments through PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, checks and cash. He pleaded guilty to a theft scheme over $100,000 and faces up to 20 years in prison plus a $25,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for August 2026.
Prosecutors say Bugg defrauded 12 victims of $279,399 between February 2019 and February 2026, promising suite access and investment returns that never showed up, according to Daily Voice. They told the court he never actually had access to the luxury suites he advertised and that some victims, hoping to secure their high-end game day, paid him repeatedly through multiple payment platforms as the scheme dragged on.
How ticket and suite scams operate
Scammers who claim to have VIP tickets or private suites often lean hard on urgency and supposed insider hookups, pushing fans to pay before they can ask too many questions. The Federal Trade Commission warns that con artists may offer tickets or packages they do not really control and advises buyers to verify any offer directly with the venue. The Better Business Bureau similarly tells fans to stick to reputable resale platforms and to avoid untraceable payment methods such as gift cards or wire transfers, which can make lost money nearly impossible to recover.
Legal consequences and next steps
Bugg pleaded guilty to a theft scheme over $100,000 in Montgomery County Circuit Court and is due to be sentenced in August 2026, when a judge will decide any prison term, fines and possible restitution. Prosecutors said he did not own the landscaping company he invoked to attract investors and that victims never received the promised returns, according to Daily Voice. Victims who lost money are urged to preserve records of communications and payments ahead of sentencing and any restitution proceedings.
Tips for fans and investors
If you are buying VIP access or considering an investment tied to event perks, consumer advocates say you should stick to official team or venue channels and verified resale partners, pay with credit cards when possible, and keep clear records of every transaction. Both the FTC and the Better Business Bureau recommend checking sellers’ credentials, steering clear of untraceable payment methods, and reporting suspicious offers to consumer protection agencies.
