Marina Brooks, her husband Charles Brooks, and their daughter Crystal Brooks are currently on trial in Sherman, facing federal charges related to an alleged investment fraud scheme. Prosecutors state that the trio operated the scheme for nine years, soliciting approximately $9.1 million from roughly 100 victims between 2014 and 2023. The defendants face two federal charges: alleged investment-project fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
A jury was seated in a Grayson County courtroom on Monday, with opening arguments commencing on Tuesday. According to the federal indictment, the Brookses utilized several entities, including DFW Vision International LLC and Vision MI LLC, to solicit funds for projects involving cryptocurrency and holographic entertainment technology.
Court documents indicate that the defendants held marketing seminars promising significant profits and hosted radio programs to attract investors. Arrest documents further state that the defendants targeted Hispanic immigrants who did not speak English well.
The defense has argued that some of the projects were successful and that the funds received by the Brookses represented their salaries. Defense attorneys have asked jurors to focus on whether the defendants intended to commit fraud from the outset of the investments. A witness who stated she invested $273,000 in projects connected to the family was scheduled to testify on Tuesday.
Outside the courthouse, approximately 20 individuals who said they had been scammed were closely following the proceedings in hopes of recovering their losses. Telemundo 39 has covered the case for six years after receiving complaints from viewers.
