FBI: Motown Sports Village promoter charged in alleged multi-million dollar wire fraud scheme in Romulus

July 17, 2026 - 12:40

A West Bloomfield man is facing federal wire fraud charges after prosecutors say he orchestrated a scheme involving a heavily promoted plan to build a massive youth sports and entertainment complex in Romulus. The FBI announced the charges Thursday, alleging the promoter defrauded investors and vendors out of millions of dollars.

The proposed project, known as the Motown Sports Village, was marketed as a sprawling destination featuring indoor and outdoor athletic fields, hotels, and retail space. It was pitched as a major economic driver for the city near Detroit Metropolitan Airport. However, investigators claim the promoter used false promises and fabricated documents to lure investors, then diverted their funds for personal expenses.

According to the criminal complaint, the promoter secured contracts and payments based on claims that the project had secured financing and municipal approvals that did not exist. Some victims reportedly lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The scheme allegedly ran for several years, with the promoter continuing to solicit money even as the project failed to break ground.

The charged individual faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of large-scale development proposals that fail to materialize, leaving investors and local governments in financial limbo. Romulus officials have stated they are cooperating with the investigation.