Scottsdale Man Sentenced for $1 Million Fraud Scheme

Brandon Scott Menaged, a 22-year-old from Scottsdale, has been sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding multiple individuals out of a total of $1 million.

The sentencing, announced by authorities on Wednesday, also mandates that Menaged pay $751,000 in restitution to his victims.

Menaged had previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges.

Prosecutors detailed that Menaged solicited funds from victims under the guise of fake investment opportunities.

He referenced nonexistent investors to convince individuals to provide him with money, which he then diverted for personal expenses.

When victims sought the return of their funds, Menaged provided excuses or blocked their attempts to contact him.

The misappropriated funds financed a lavish lifestyle, including gambling at casinos, international travel, and the purchase of luxury vehicles, firearms, and Rolex watches.

This case underscores a troubling trend of financial fraud in the Scottsdale area.

In a separate incident, David Allen Harbour, another Scottsdale resident, was sentenced to eight years in prison for defrauding investors of over $8 million.

Harbour misrepresented investment opportunities and used the funds to support an extravagant lifestyle, including hiring the band Eagles for a private concert at his 40th birthday party.

Additionally, Robert F. Alexander was sentenced to seven years in prison for orchestrating a fraudulent charity golf tournament scheme.

Alexander collected donations for a non-existent event, deceiving numerous individuals and misusing the funds for personal gain.

These cases highlight the importance of vigilance when approached with investment opportunities.

Authorities advise individuals to thoroughly research and verify the legitimacy of investment ventures and to be cautious of unsolicited offers promising high returns.

For those who believe they may have been victims of similar schemes, it is crucial to report the incidents to local law enforcement or financial regulatory bodies promptly.

Staying informed and cautious can help protect against falling prey to fraudulent activities.