Houston scammer sentenced to 20 years for real estate scheme

Houston fraudster Robert Gibson, who made over $1 million pretending to sell distressed properties for cash, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to theft. 

Operating under the name Divine Capital Investments, the convicted con man scammed 29 people out of $1.2 million between August 2019 and June 2021 by falsely advertising properties set for foreclosure at prices significantly below their expected auction values, according to Click2Houston. 

Authorities revealed the scam artist preyed on members of a local church who believed they were benefiting from insider deals. Gibson used endorsements he received from early victims to entice his targets.

“He had the paperwork, and it looked legitimate, but it wasn’t, and the money was spent as fast as it was coming in. Now it’s just gone,” said Sheila Hansel, Harris County Assistant District Attorney. 

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into Gibson’s activities following reports from seven victims, while the Houston Police Department launched a separate probe as more victims came forward. The combined efforts of law enforcement agencies ultimately led to Gibson’s arrest and conviction.

Hansel advised would-be investors to consult professional brokers and bankers to gain a better understanding of the property purchase process and to be aware of red flags. She emphasized the importance of engaging reputable title companies to ensure a secure and legitimate transaction.

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A career criminal, Gibson was convicted in the ’90s of falsely claiming to be an attorney. He has also been sentenced for theft, related to similar real estate scams. In fact, Gibson was out on bond when he began his latest scheme in 2019. His history as a repeat offender moved Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg to push for a harsher sentence. 

“Prosecuting white-collar crime is a priority because it is devastating to the people who lose thousands of dollars in what should be ordinary, everyday business transactions,” she said. “Conmen, scammers and fraudsters are thieves, plain and simple, and when they repeatedly take advantage of our community, like in this case, they need to be in prison.”

— Brandon Sams