Dallas man sentenced for $1 million concert-ticket and luxury-box investment fraud

Prosecutors say Carlos Desean Goodspeed falsely claimed to be a concert promoter and stole from investors to fund personal expenses.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 45-year-old Dallas man was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution for running a concert-ticket and luxury-suite investment fraud scheme. Carlos Desean Goodspeed pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2025 after being indicted the previous year for falsely claiming to be a concert promoter and stealing over $1 million from 17 victims who invested in his business, Straight Like That Entertainment.

Why it matters

Investment fraud schemes like this one can devastate victims, often costing them their life savings and causing significant financial and emotional harm. The lengthy prison sentence and restitution order in this case reflect the U.S. Attorney's Office's focus on holding such fraudsters accountable and providing justice for defrauded investors.

The details

Goodspeed told investors he would buy and resell concert tickets and luxury suites for artists like Tyler, the Creator, Ludacris, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny, and Future. However, none of those artists were actually involved, and Goodspeed instead used the investor funds for personal expenses including rent, luxury retail purchases, flights, and hotels. He also used some investor money to pay off other investors, concealing the scheme.

  • In 2024, Goodspeed was indicted for the investment fraud scheme.
  • In October 2025, Goodspeed pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
  • On February 18, 2026, Goodspeed was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison and ordered to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution.

The players

Carlos Desean Goodspeed

A 45-year-old Dallas man who pleaded guilty to wire fraud for running a concert-ticket and luxury-suite investment fraud scheme.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas who emphasized his office's focus on long sentences and restitution in investment fraud cases.

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock

The FBI official who urged the public to research investment opportunities and report suspected fraud.

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What’s next

Goodspeed remains in federal custody to serve his 75-month prison sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact that investment fraud schemes can have on victims, underscoring the importance of thorough research into any investment opportunity and the prompt reporting of suspected fraud to authorities.