Former Dallas Franchise Owner Sentenced to Prison

A federal court handed down a 15-year prison sentence to Charles Carrier for a massive wire fraud scheme.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Financial Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a geometric stone courthouse facade, evoking the finality of judicial sentencing. — Charles Carrier, a former Dallas franchise owner, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a $40 million wire fraud scheme that defrauded 80 investors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Former franchise owner Charles Carrier has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after defrauding more than 80 investors. Carrier collected nearly $40 million from victims by operating a fraudulent real estate scheme in the Dallas area.

Why it matters

The case highlights the dangers of investment scams that promise guaranteed high returns for property-based ventures. Carrier used his position as a franchise owner to facilitate his scheme, ultimately leading to significant financial losses for his victims.

Charles Carrier received a 188-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud. He is currently under a court order to pay $24.4 million in restitution to the more than 80 investors he targeted.

The players

Charles Carrier

He is the former owner of a C&C Residential Properties franchise who orchestrated a multi-million dollar wire fraud scheme.

HomeVestors of America

This real estate investment franchise company terminated its agreement with Carrier upon discovering his fraudulent business conduct.

FBI Dallas Field Office

This federal law enforcement agency conducted the investigation into Carrier's illegal financial activities.

The details

Carrier operated C&C Residential Properties under the HomeVestors of America brand, where he promised investors fixed returns between 8% and 10%. He executed the fraud by placing overlapping liens on properties and providing forged lien releases to sell assets without notifying his investors.

Carrier collected $39.5 million from investors between 2018 and 2024.
HomeVestors of America terminated Carrier's franchise in 2024.
Carrier pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2025.
Carrier received his 188-month prison sentence last Wednesday.

Legal Context

This sentencing follows the established legal precedent of utilizing the federal wire fraud statute to prosecute sophisticated real estate investment schemes. The case reflects a broader trend of federal agencies aggressively targeting franchise-based financial misconduct.

Local investors in real estate ventures are encouraged to verify lien information independently through county records rather than relying solely on franchise documentation. This case serves as a warning for the public to remain skeptical of investment opportunities promising fixed high-yield returns.

The takeaway

Investors should always conduct independent due diligence when entering private property agreements, even when working with recognizable brand names. Verifying asset ownership and checking for existing liens can help protect against similar fraudulent activity.