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ConvictedEastern Texas

Irving couple convicted of federal conspiracy charges related to a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme targeting investors in the Eastern District of Texas

Sep 28, 2026 · Sourced to the U.S. Department of Justice

This case reached the convicted stage in the Department of Justice's public record. Everything below reflects only what the government itself announced, and links to the original release.

An Irving couple has been convicted in federal court of charges related to a multi-million-dollar fraud conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Announced

Sep 28, 2026

Status

Convicted

Defendants

  • Marina Brooks — age 70 · Irving, Texas · convicted
  • Charles Brooks — age 74 · Irving, Texas · convicted

Charges

  • Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Max: 20 years in prisonMarina Brooks· convicted

  • Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

    Max: 20 years in prisonCharles Brooks· convicted

Financial actions

  • fraud proceeds: $9.5 million — Funds fraudulently taken from over 700 victim investors through investment fraud scheme
  • fine — Potential fine as part of maximum statutory sentence
  • restitution — Restitution at sentencing as part of maximum statutory sentence

From the announcement

“For years, Marina and Charles Brooks repeatedly victimized hardworking members of the community in the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere. Through their lies, the family stole life savings and retirement earnings from people who had worked for decades to realize the American dream. Working with our law enforcement partners like the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation, our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who lie for money and to vigorously seek justice for their victims.”
— Jay R. Combs, U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Texas
“Today’s guilty verdict provides justice to the victims whose lives were financially impacted by this investment scheme. Through fraudulent representations and fake business ventures, these defendants solicited funds from vulnerable investors and diverted them for their own personal gain. The FBI remains committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that individuals who engage in fraudulent conduct are held accountable.”
— R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge, FBI
“The evidence against Charles and Marina Brooks was overwhelming, and it begins with the bravery of their victims to come forward and help us put an end to this fraud. This conspiracy deceived the victims for years, targeting many in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. It is why IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office pool our resources to stop these criminals. Investor fraud is often a story of misplaced trust and grand promises. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is and you should walk away.”
— Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Texas Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation

Investigating agencies

Federal Bureau of InvestigationInternal Revenue Service Criminal InvestigationU.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of TexasU.S. Probation Office

Case details

Prosecuting office
Eastern District of Texas
Judge
Amos L. Mazzant, U.S. District Judge
CryptocurrencyInteragency Law Enforcement CooperationInvestment FraudTargeting Vulnerable CommunitiesVictim Justice And RestitutionWire Fraud Conspiracy

Primary source

Every fact above is drawn from the Department of Justice's own announcement — a public-domain government record.

Read the original DOJ release →

This is a research and reference page compiled from public DOJ announcements, not legal advice. Details reflect the government's statements as of its release date and may not capture later developments such as appeals, dismissals, or overturned convictions. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.