Brett Michael Bartlett, 37, of Fountain Valley, California, was sentenced on November 25, 2024, to 188 months in prison for wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. Bartlett was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $22.5 million in restitution to over 1,000 victims, including 50 right here in Central Illinois.

Bartlett admitted to defrauding investors through his companies, Dynasty Toys and 7M E-group, by promising high returns on investments and exaggerating company assets. Instead, he used the funds for personal gain, including a luxury retreat, while mailing investors checks that later bounced. Victims suffered devastating financial losses, with many losing life savings.

U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found Bartlett’s scheme involved sophisticated tactics, including fake "gold contracts," and ordered the forfeiture of a Tennessee property linked to his fraud. Authorities emphasized the severe impact on victims, some of whom were persuaded to invest by Bartlett’s false claims of faith and family values.

The FBI and FDIC Office of Inspector General led the investigation, with federal prosecutors ensuring restitution efforts prioritize victims.