Texas Construction Executive Accused of Faking Own Death in Multi-Million Dollar Scheme
A Texas construction executive stands accused of orchestrating an audacious plan to feign his own death after defrauding investors out of millions of dollars, enabling him to bask in a life of opulence. This intricate deception is at the center of a $1 million lawsuit.
Brett Detamore’s Astonishing Disappearance
Brett Detamore, a name that made headlines during the summer, surprised everyone when he reappeared almost a week after his wife reported him missing. During the search, authorities discovered his truck in a severely burnt state.
Embezzlement of Investor Funds
Detamore is alleged to have misappropriated investors’ funds, originally intended for building homes, to fund his extravagant lifestyle. These ill-gotten gains financed his indulgence in expensive sports tickets for events like the Super Bowl and World Series, as well as exclusive meet-and-greets with athletes and other lavish expenses, as asserted by the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also claims that Detamore led a jet-set life, lodging in lavish hotels and resorts. His excessive spending extended to the purchase of a $100,000 Dodge Ram TRX truck, a Cadillac Escalade, and a second home in Galveston, Texas, valued at over $1 million.
Custom License Plate “HIDEIT”
To add to the intrigue, he adorned one of his vehicles with a custom Texas license plate reading “HIDEIT,” as revealed in the ten-count civil lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, on October 4.
The Dramatic Fake Death Scheme
On June 21, police discovered his burning $100,000 truck shortly after he left his residence, and Detamore vanished, leaving his home construction responsibilities unattended. This was all part of an alleged plan to fake his own death and disappear.
The Scheme Unraveled
However, the scheme quickly unraveled when a witness claimed to have seen a man walking away from the burning truck on that fateful morning, as shared by West University Place Police Department Chief Ken Walker during a press conference in June.
Five days later, on June 26, Detamore was spotted at a San Antonio bus stop. The lawsuit indicates that his scheme was effectively “burned down” and exposed.
Legal Repercussions
While no criminal charges have been filed, the Houston Fire Department believes that the fire was intentionally set, sharing their findings with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. An active investigation into Detamore’s alleged fraudulent activities is ongoing, as confirmed by a West University Police Department spokesperson.
Detamore was also facing similar accusations in Kings County, New York, just days before his disappearance. His lawyer, Christian Ellis, stated that both lawsuits are under review. Ellis acknowledged the toll this ordeal has taken on the Detamore family and requested privacy during this challenging time.
In summary, Brett Detamore’s extraordinary case involves allegations of an audacious scheme, embezzlement, and a dramatic fake death attempt, leaving a trail of legal investigations and unanswered questions.