Franchisee Sentenced for Real Estate Fraud

Charles Carrier, a former franchisee of the HomeVestors 'We Buy Ugly Houses' program, was sentenced to federal prison for investment fraud. The Department of Justice announced the sentencing on Thursday.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Carrier defrauded more than 80 investors out of $39.5 million between 2018 and 2024. He falsely claimed their funds would be used to acquire and renovate specific residential properties.

Carrier's business was a franchise of HomeVestors of America until October 2024, when it was terminated. He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2025, and was sentenced to 188 months in prison.

Court documents state that Carrier assured investors their loans were secured by first-position liens, despite frequently failing to record promised deeds of trust. He also issued multiple deeds of trust on the same properties and concealed overlapping encumbrances.

The DOJ said Carrier sold properties without informing investors and used forged or unauthorized lien releases to complete transactions. He then used investor funds for personal expenses, unrelated business costs, and payments to earlier investors.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized that financial fraud directly impacts hardworking Americans who trusted Carrier with their savings. The case serves as a warning to those who target Main Street families and small business owners.