HOUSTON – Former West University Place home developer Brett Detamore, who pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud after faking his disappearance nearly two years ago, has been sentenced to 51 months—or four years and three months—in federal prison.
The 40-year-old was also ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution.
Detamore appeared in court today wearing a suit and tie. Before the proceedings began, he embraced several family members and friends who came to support him.
BREAKING: Former West University Place, Texas, developer and father Brett Detamore has just been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, nearly two years after he faked his disappearance. He’s also been ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution. @KPRC2
— KPRC 2 Bryce Newberry (@KPRC2Bryce) May 14, 2025
The wire fraud charges stemmed from a scheme in which Detamore created fake invoices to banks holding construction loans for homes he was contracted to build.
OUR PREVIOUS COVERAGE: West U developer Brett Detamore, who faked disappearance, faces up to 20 years in prison after guilty plea
He then diverted funds from these invoices to his personal account for his own benefit.
According to civil lawsuits, Detamore used the stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle, which included extravagant trips and attendance at major sporting events.
He was reported missing on June 21, 2023, prompting extensive searches by law enforcement agencies and volunteers from Texas EquuSearch.
Detamore was eventually found safe at a bus stop in San Antonio, following the recovery of his burned-out truck—valued at $100,000—in Bear Creek Park.
Detamore said he was struggling with mental health issues at the time of his arrest, including substance abuse. During today’s court proceedings, he admitted to orchestrating a detailed plan that involved the destruction of his truck, believing that no one would search for him after its recovery. No charges were filed related to this incident.
Before starting the truck fire, Detamore revealed to the judge that he had planned to take his own life at his office, but a specific detail of his plan fell through.
Detamore explained that he had intended to walk to San Antonio and stay at a homeless shelter. While there, he saw a press conference discussing his disappearance, where law enforcement suggested it may have been pre-planned and wondered how a father could do that to his children. This moment, he said, was pivotal for him, stating, “the light turned back on” and he believes law enforcement saved his life.
Three of Detamore’s victims addressed him and the court with victim impact statements, emphasizing that he was once a trusted friend who shattered their sense of security and financial futures with betrayal and manipulation.
Victim Lori Williamson, a longtime friend who hired Detamore to build her dream home, said she expressed concern about doing business with friends and Detamore looked at her dead in the eyes and said, “Who better to trust than your good friends?”
Another victim, a former friend and employee named Sergio Moreno, spoke with KPRC 2’s Bryce Newberry after the proceedings.
He said he wanted to convey how much Detamore’s actions had impacted the lives of his victims.
“I mean, we had to figure out how to financially come out of the hole that he left us,” Moreno said. “Even though we were given a small amount back... it’s still not making up what we lost.”
Referencing “Step Five” of Alcoholics Anonymous, which involves making peace with those you have wronged, Detamore expressed remorse for his crimes, facing many of his victims in the courtroom and apologizing. He admitted to being the mastermind behind the scheme, drawing attention away from his now ex-wife.
Detamore told the judge he felt embarrassed and ashamed of his actions, adding that he wanted to apologize to his victims sooner but was advised against it by his legal counsel.
However, Moreno remains skeptical.
”I think it’s a lie. I mean, he knew what he was doing the whole time," Moreno said. “He was very calculated about everything. And from the beginning. I mean, I don’t think it’s sincere.”
Detamore also listed three things he wants to do moving forward: pay back the victims, help others who are struggling, and be the best father he can be.
He did not speak to reporters following his sentencing, and his attorney declined to comment.
Williams asked the court for Detamore’s sentence to be served at Federal Corrections Institution, Bastrop in Bastrop, Texas. He is expected to surrender to federal prison in the coming weeks.
