URBANA, Ill. — Brett Michael Bartlett, 37, of Fountain Valley, California, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for orchestrating a $22.5 million investment fraud scheme that defrauded over 1,000 investors across the country, including more than 50 victims in Central Illinois.
Bartlett, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering, operated through his companies, Dynasty Toys and 7M E-group. He falsely promised investors returns of up to 40% and claimed that the companies were financially successful. Prosecutors said Bartlett lied about company assets, including fictitious gold holdings, and used investors’ money for personal gain, including luxury retreats.
From 2016 to 2023, Bartlett solicited investments by misrepresenting the value of company shares and potential buyout offers, convincing individuals to invest their life savings. Many victims suffered significant financial losses, with some losing their entire retirement funds. In May 2020, Bartlett mailed millions of dollars in checks to Central Illinois investors, but the checks bounced. Despite this, he continued transferring funds to his personal accounts.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce emphasized the sophisticated nature of the scheme, including Bartlett’s offer to convert shares into fraudulent “gold contracts.” The court ordered Bartlett to pay $22.5 million in restitution to victims and imposed a three-year supervised release term following his sentence. A Tennessee property tied to Bartlett’s companies was also forfeited.
“Brett Bartlett’s greed left a trail of victims whose financial futures were forever changed,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. FDIC Special Agent Vincent R. Zehme added that the sentence reflects the seriousness of Bartlett’s betrayal and the harm caused to trusting investors.
Bartlett’s scheme, described by prosecutors as “reprehensible,” defrauded investors who were lured by false promises and appeals to faith.