DALLAS, TX — A Dallas man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after admitting to defrauding investors of more than $1 million through a fraudulent concert promotion scheme, federal officials announced.
Carlos Desean Goodspeed, 45, was sentenced February 18, 2026, to 75 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in October 2025. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade also ordered Goodspeed to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to 17 victims.
According to court records, Goodspeed operated under the business name “Straight Like That Entertainment,” falsely portraying himself as a concert promoter who would purchase tickets and luxury suites for major events and resell them for profit. Prosecutors said he used the claims to solicit investments tied to concerts involving high-profile artists including Tyler, the Creator, Ludacris, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny, and Future. Authorities said none of the artists were involved in or aware of the scheme.
In one example outlined in plea documents, an investor wired Goodspeed $180,000 to purchase concert tickets and suites for a series of Tyler, the Creator performances. Although the shows occurred, Goodspeed failed to repay the investor and instead used the funds for personal expenses, including rent at an upscale apartment complex, retail purchases, airline travel, and hotel stays. He also admitted using investor funds to pay earlier investors in an effort to conceal the fraud.
Three victims testified during sentencing, describing significant financial and emotional hardship. One victim told the court she invested inheritance funds hoping to pay medical expenses for a family member with cancer but was forced to rely on loans and credit cards to cover funeral costs after the family member died.
“Victims are often defrauded of life savings and suffer devastating economic and personal harm because of investment fraud schemes like this one,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Seeking lengthy prison time for defendants and restitution judgments on behalf of those victimized in these cases remain top priorities for my office.”
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock said investigators remain focused on pursuing investment fraud cases and urged the public to thoroughly research investment opportunities.
While awaiting trial, Goodspeed’s pretrial release was revoked in July 2025 after a magistrate judge found probable cause that he continued soliciting new investments in violation of court conditions. He has remained in federal custody since that time.
The case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Hunter.
