Alaska ‘Bud & Breakfast’ Scheme Lands Delta Junction Man in Prison

FAIRBANKS, AK – A Delta Junction man is trading Alaskan wilderness for a federal prison cell after being sentenced today for orchestrating a years-long investment fraud. Brian Corty, 53, received a two-year prison sentence and a hefty restitution order exceeding $580,000 for bilking nearly two dozen investors out of over $600,000 with a bogus “Bud and Breakfast” scheme.

Court documents reveal that from January 2017 to January 2020, Corty spearheaded a conspiracy built on lies. He pitched Ice Fog Holdings LLC, promising investors a piece of a marijuana-themed park where they would grow, cultivate, and sell cannabis, even allowing on-site consumption. The pitch? Millions in annual revenue. Corty secured a property on the Richardson Highway near Salcha, Alaska, as the supposed location, further fueling the illusion.

But it was all smoke and mirrors. Corty repeatedly and falsely claimed to investors that marijuana was already being grown and profits were rolling in. At least 22 people fell for the con, handing over their money under the false pretense of a lucrative investment. Instead of building a cannabis empire, Corty diverted the funds to personal expenses – refinancing his home and paying off debts, according to investigators.

Corty pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a move that ultimately failed to soften the blow of his actions. In addition to the two-year prison term, he’s been ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his incarceration. This isn’t just about money; it’s about trust shattered and lives upended by greed.

“Mr. Corty manipulated unknowing investors by promising millions in proceeds and used their money for his personal gain,” stated U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Ensuring that white collar criminals, like Mr. Corty, are held accountable is a priority for my office. No one is above the law. We will continue work with our law enforcement partners to pursue prosecutions against individuals who choose to exploit unknowing victims through fraudulent means.”

The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency, and the Alaska Department of Law jointly investigated the case, exposing the scheme and bringing Corty to justice. “Mr. Corty lured investors with promises of prosperity and guaranteed returns, when in truth, he diverted the investor money to fund his own lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Ryan Tansey secured the conviction and sentencing, sending a clear message: financial exploitation will not be tolerated.