Jason Nathaniel Speier, 42, of Arden, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on October 22, 2025. The plea is connected to a scheme involving fraudulent sales of log cabin kits to customers in several southeastern states. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte Division.
According to court documents related to the plea agreement, Speier owned and operated K.I. Enterprises, Inc., which did business as “Kabens.” The company was not licensed but claimed it could build log cabin homes in Western North Carolina. Speier falsely represented that his business had access to European-sourced log cabin kits and could turn them into finished residences.
Speier admitted in court that he misled customers by claiming experience with satisfied clients and offering references and positive reviews that did not exist. He promoted his services through online marketing and social media campaigns advertising “complete log cabin home packages” at “affordable prices,” along with promises of “fast construction” and “unlimited customization.” To expand his reach, he assembled a sales team instructed to target customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. He also told customers their down payments would be used directly for purchasing materials and completing construction promptly.
Despite an investigation initiated by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors after receiving multiple complaints from customers, Speier continued his activities by incorporating a new business called “Big Timber Log Homes.” Court records show that during this period he did not complete any projects but still solicited new clients using similar claims.
In total, more than $2.5 million was collected from at least 24 victims throughout the scheme.
After entering his guilty plea, Speier was released on bond pending sentencing. Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison; sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after considering applicable guidelines and statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed appreciation for the investigative efforts of the FBI as well as local law enforcement agencies including the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
