Brian Shane Haigler, a 43-year-old resident of Mint Hill, North Carolina, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison and two years of supervised release for his involvement in multiple fraud schemes. The sentencing was announced by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Haigler began soliciting investments from friends and acquaintances in February 2019. He claimed the funds would be used for real estate transactions and promised fixed returns by certain dates. However, investigators found that little or none of the money was actually invested as promised. Instead, much of it was used for personal expenses or to pay off earlier investors. When questioned by investors about their funds or repayment, Haigler made false statements to conceal his actions.
In July 2019, while serving as Treasurer at a local church following the death of its pastor, Haigler became the sole signatory on the church’s bank accounts. Between 2019 and 2021, he wrote 53 checks and made three cash withdrawals from these accounts totaling more than $389,000. In one instance, he wrote a $160,000 check payable to himself and used most of those funds to pay an investor.
Haigler’s fraudulent activities continued into April 2021 when he applied online through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) portal for a $311,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) in the name of the church without its knowledge or consent. After approval and deposit into the church account, he transferred $300,000 to his personal account. The total loss associated with his embezzlement is estimated between $550,000 and $1.5 million.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson stated: “Haigler exploited friends, stole from his church, and defrauded a federal relief program meant to provide economic assistance during a national crisis,” adding: “This rampant fraud must be stopped, and my office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those that take advantage of others.”
On July 14, 2024, Haigler pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges. He will report to federal prison upon designation by authorities.
The investigation was conducted by the SBA and U.S. Secret Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick prosecuted the case.
