Brooks family fraud trial begins in Sherman over alleged $9.1 million scheme

Federal prosecutors say about 100 people invested in projects run by the Brookses from 2014 to 2023.

A couple and their daughter are on trial in Sherman facing federal charges stemming from an alleged investment fraud scheme that prosecutors said brought in about $9.1 million from roughly 100 victims.

Marina Brooks, her husband Charles Brooks and their daughter, Crystal Brooks, face two federal charges involving alleged investment-project fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

A jury was seated on Monday, and opening arguments began Tuesday in a Grayson County courtroom.

Prosecutors said the Brookses kept the alleged scheme going for nine years, persuading people to invest through several companies while using a large portion of investors’ money for personal expenses.

The defense said some of the Brookses’ projects were successful and that money they received represented their salaries. Defense attorneys asked jurors to focus on whether the Brookses intended to commit fraud from the beginning of the investments.

A witness who said she invested $273,000 in projects connected to the Brookses was set to testify Tuesday.

Outside the courthouse, about 20 people who said they had been scammed were closely following the trial in hopes of recovering the money they lost.

Telemundo 39 has followed the case for six years, after receiving complaints from viewers.

According to the federal indictment, the Brookses operated several companies, including DFW Vision International LLC and Vision MI LLC, to solicit money from potential investors for projects involving cryptocurrency and entertainment technology using holograms.

They also held marketing seminars promising large profits while hosting radio programs.

According to arrest documents, the defendants targeted Hispanic immigrants who did not speak English well.

Court documents said the Brookses obtained about $9.1 million from approximately 100 victims between 2014 and 2023.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by Telemundo Dallas. AI tools helped convert the story into English and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.