HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Brett Detamore, a custom home builder from West University Place and father of three, was federally charged with wire fraud on Friday, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
In June 2023, Detamore, 39, disappeared from his home, prompting a widespread search. His wife reported him missing, and his truck was found burned in Bear Creek Park. After days of searching, Detamore was discovered at a bus stop in San Antonio, appearing “a bit fazed and a bit disheveled.” Authorities later announced that they believed the disappearance was staged.
Detamore, operating under Detamore Development LLC, now faces criminal charges amid ongoing civil lawsuits alleging fraud and theft. According to court documents, Detamore allegedly misappropriated funds intended for building private homes, amassing at least $1.5 million through fraudulent means for personal use. The day before he went missing, Detamore reportedly made false statements to further his fraudulent scheme and submitted fake bills to banks managing construction loans for single-family homes he was authorized to build.
Detamore’s first federal court appearance is scheduled for August 12 at 2 p.m. He has not been arrested and faces one count of wire fraud, suggesting a potential plea agreement, according to Michael Wynne, a former federal prosecutor not involved in the case.
Detamore’s defense attorney, Tate Williams, declined to comment on the matter. Attorney Butch Boyd, representing several of Detamore’s former clients who have filed lawsuits, noted that these clients were left with incomplete homes and stolen funds. Boyd emphasized the ongoing financial harm his clients suffered long after the initial news coverage faded.
If convicted, Detamore could face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
