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 $1.7 Million Wire Fraud Scheme
A local real estate agent from Mint Hill has admitted to participating in a scheme that defrauded investors and misuse of church funds, according to federal prosecutors. Brian Haigler, 43, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud involving a total amount exceeding $1.7 million. The case highlights serious concerns about financial oversight and trust within both private and religious communities.
The Alleged Fraudulent Activities
Haigler operated alongside his wife through S&B Real Estate Investments, a business involved in real estate transactions. However, investigators allege that from February 2019 through December 2021, Haigler engaged in a scheme where he made false statements to friends and acquaintances in order to secure their investments. He falsely promised that these funds would be used for property purchases and improvements, but instead used the money for personal expenses and to pay earlier investors, resembling a Ponzi scheme.
Victims and Investment Losses
One prominent investor, Lester Rivenbark, claimed he was persuaded to invest $150,000 with the expectation of earning a $15,000 profit within three months. Rivenbark trusted Haigler partially because he perceived him as a devout Christian, given Haigler’s affiliation with Living Praise Church of God in Monroe. However, Rivenbark received no returns and expressed regret for not requesting more detailed documentation. His case is one of many, with total investor losses exceeding $1 million.
Misuse of Church Funds and Federal Loan Fraud
In addition to defrauding investors, Haigler is accused of embezzling approximately $389,000 from the church over the same period. Moreover, he obtained a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan of $311,000 through the Pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was designed to support businesses affected by COVID-19. Haigler used the church’s name without approval to secure this loan, and later confessed the scheme to his church’s pastor in March 2022.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Haigler was formally charged with wire fraud in late June, with authorities also noting that he has been involved in fraudulent schemes dating back to early 2019. His guilty plea could lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The court has not yet announced the sentencing date, and details about any restitution or recovery of funds remain undisclosed.
Additional Details and Implications
While Haigler’s wife is not facing criminal charges, the case raises important issues regarding financial transparency within small businesses and religious organizations. The investigation continues, and officials have not disclosed whether victims are expected to recover their lost money. Court documents do not specify the identities of all victims or the specific church involved, but highlight a pattern of deception where funds intended for real estate and community purposes were diverted for personal use.
Background and Broader Context
Since February 2019, Haigler was involved in multiple fraudulent activities, including manipulating paperwork to secure bank loans, and making false representations to multiple investors. His actions not only affected individual investors but also misappropriated church resources, notably during a period marked by widespread financial hardship due to the pandemic. The case underscores the importance of due diligence and oversight, especially when managing funds within religious and community organizations.
The proceedings against Haigler are ongoing, and the court has yet to determine the final penalties. However, the case serves as a cautionary tale emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability to prevent similar frauds in the future.
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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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
