A Dallas man who claimed he could profit from promoting concerts involving major artists was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after prosecutors said he defrauded investors of more than $1 million.
Carlos Desean Goodspeed, 45, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2025 after being indicted in 2024, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade sentenced Goodspeed on Feb. 18 and ordered him to pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to 17 victims.
Related
Prosecutors said Goodspeed falsely represented himself as a concert promoter who would use investors’ money to purchase tickets and suites and resell them for profit.
Crime in The News
Instead, he used the funds for personal expenses and to sustain the scheme.
Goodspeed operated under the name “Straight Like That Entertainment” and claimed involvement with high-profile artists, including Tyler, the Creator, Ludacris, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny and Future, none of whom were involved in the scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“The FBI remains committed to investigating those who take advantage of our communities through investment fraud schemes. We encourage the public to thoroughly research investment opportunities and to contact us immediately if they suspect fraud,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
Related
On one occasion, an investor wired $180,000 to Goodspeed for concert ticket investments but did not receive the promised returns. Prosecutors said he instead spent the money on personal expenses such as housing, retail purchases and travel.
Another victim testified that she used part of an inheritance to invest with Goodspeed in hopes of being able to pay medical bills for a family member diagnosed with cancer.
Goodspeed did not pay her back as promised, and she was forced to take out loans and use credit cards to pay funeral expenses when her family member passed away.
Federal officials said Goodspeed also used money from new investors to pay earlier investors in order to conceal the fraud.
Goodspeed remains in federal custody to serve his sentence.
Lewisville police warn of scammers impersonating officers saying people missed jury dutyScammers use AI to scam people interested in World Cup tickets and merchandise