Brett Thomas Graham, Defrauding Elderly Family Member, Florida 2023
A stunning case of family betrayal has unfolded in Miami, Florida, as Brett Thomas Graham, 61, a former financier previously disciplined by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, has pleaded guilty to defrauding his elderly family member out of approximately $8.4 million.
According to court documents, Graham began assisting his family member after she became a widow in approximately 2017. In approximately November 2018, Graham assisted her with retaining a financial advisor headquartered in New York, New York. In approximately February 2019, the family member sold a townhouse in New York, New York, for approximately $9 million. In approximately September 2019, Graham began transferring money from her accounts into his own checking account.
Graham spent the money on himself, using the opportunity to continue his scheme to defraud his family member. In one instance, in December 2020, Graham asked the financial advisor for an additional $250,000, writing that the money was needed for the family member’s “higher medical & care expenses.” After receiving the money, Graham spent it on himself.
In another instance, in November 2022, Graham asked that the financial advisor make an additional $400,000 available, writing that the funds were necessary for “[a]mazing [investment] opps…” After receiving the money, Graham spent over $300,000 on his credit card, art, travel, and rent.
Law enforcement was able to seize approximately $2 million worth of jewelry and art purchased with fraud proceeds.
Graham's sentencing is scheduled to take place before Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks on September 16.
The defendant, Brett Thomas Graham, faces charges of defrauding an elderly family member out of approximately $8.4 million. Graham is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16. The investigation was led by the FBI Miami Field Office, with assistance from the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
The case number is 25-cr-20103, and related court documents and information can be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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