Texas Grifter J. Nicholas Bryant ‘Upset’ Over 14 Year Fraud Sentence
A Texas man who pleaded guilty to swindling dozens in an elaborate scheme to fund his lavish lifestyle was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years in prison.
J. Nicholas Bryant, 26, pleaded not guilty last November to one count of wire fraud after bilking at least 50 people in an elaborate ruse that involved booking goods and services—and then sending fake payments through online payment platforms. Prosecutors estimate that in total, Bryant stole approximately $1.2 million in the fraud scheme, where he assumed various fake names and backgrounds to add an air of legitimacy.
During his yearlong scheme, prosecutors say Bryant took over a dozen private jet flights, spent half a day on a 90-foot yacht complete with steak and champagne, stayed in numerous luxury hotels, and bought five high-end cars that were worth about half a million dollars.