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 engaging in a widespread scheme involving fraud and embezzlement totaling approximately $1.7 million. Brian Haigler, 41, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud in connection with illegal activities spanning from early 2019 through late 2021. The case highlights concerns about financial oversight within personal and religious contexts.
Allegations and Criminal Activities
Federal prosecutors allege that Brian Haigler, operating primarily through his real estate business, S&B Real Estate Investments, defrauded friends, investors, and his church community. Haigler reportedly recruited over a dozen individuals, promising them steady profits from real estate investments and property improvements. Instead, he diverted their funds for personal use, paying earlier investors with new investors’ money—a scheme akin to a Ponzi operation.
Between February 2019 and December 2021, Haigler is accused of defrauding investors of more than $1 million. These funds were intended for real estate projects but were instead used for personal expenses, including payments unrelated to business activities.
Misuse of Church Funds and Illicit Loans
Adding to the financial controversy, Haigler is accused of embezzling approximately $389,000 from his church, the Living Praise Church of God in Monroe, between July 2019 and December 2021. The church’s funds were reportedly used without approval for purposes outside church operations.
Most notably, in April 2021, Haigler obtained a $311,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the U.S. Small Business Administration under the CARES Act. He secured the loan using the church’s name without prior approval from church leaders. He later confessed to a church pastor about the scheme in March 2022.
Deception and Legal Proceedings
Haigler was able to obtain the SBA loan by providing false information and misrepresenting the use of funds, promising they would support real estate investments and property improvements. Prosecutors state that Haigler made false statements to recruit investors, assuring them that their funds would be used for legitimate real estate activities, but instead, he diverted the money for personal use and to pay earlier investors, which is characteristic of Ponzi-like fraud.
Federal investigators scrutinized his banking activities, uncovering discrepancies that raised suspicions about paperwork aligning with bank records, which contributed to the case’s development.
Connections with Religious Community and Personal Relationships
Haigler’s involvement with the Living Praise Church of God in Monroe played a significant role in the case. He was affiliated with the church, and his misuse of church funds and the church’s name to secure loans have caused concern within the community.
Despite Haigler’s guilty plea, his wife is not facing any criminal charges related to the case. The identities of individual victims and specific details of the church’s involvement remain confidential in official court documents.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Haigler faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The court has scheduled a sentencing hearing, but the exact date has not yet been announced. While a plea agreement has been reached, the details have not been made publicly available.
Agents involved in the case have not disclosed whether victims will recover their missing funds. The case underscores the importance of financial oversight, especially within small communities and church organizations, to prevent similar fraudulent activities.
Background and Broader Context
Investigations reveal that Haigler has been involved in deceptive schemes since February 2019. His fraudulent activities, which include false statements to investors and misuse of church funds, reflect broader concerns about transparency and accountability in community organizations.
The case illustrates the risks associated with trust in personal and religious relationships involving finances. It also highlights the importance of proper checks and balances when handling church funds and investments.
As the legal proceedings continue, authorities emphasize the need for vigilance among community members and institutions to prevent financial exploitation and ensure integrity in managing funds.
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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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
