Victims speak out as former Dog House Grill manager admits to $30M scheme

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The victims of a now-convicted Fresno fraudster are coming forward to detail the lengths, they say, Matthew Billingsley went to obtain their money.

"He approached us really as just a reputable businessperson in the community," lender Ahmed Mshaka said.

Mshaka and his business partner, Faraz Gill, lent Billingsley almost $2 million with the promise he'd pay it back in just 10 days.

"There was a promissory note that was drafted up, notarized, witnessed - all those things," Mshaka said.

"Did you ever get it back?" Action News asked.

"Absolutely not," Mshaka replied.

Billingsley once managed the popular Dog House Grill near Fresno State.

Mshaka and Gill say Billingsley used his position to brand himself as a low-risk borrower.

"He's a great talker. You know, he knows what he's saying. He's done it many times. It's rehearsed," Gill said.

On Monday, Billingsley pleaded guilty in federal court, where he admitted to one count of wire fraud.

Federal prosecutors say Billingsley obtained more than $30 million from several victims, all by using fabricated documents.

"He was presenting those documents with $11 million of liquid cash, right? So, there was some sort of security that was built up there," Mshaka said.

"False security?" Action News asked.

"False security. Absolutely," he replied.

Federal prosecutors called it a "scheme."

"When you put all the pieces together, you realize it was really just a 'rob Peter to pay Paul' Ponzi scheme type (of) situation," Mshaka said.

Billingsley's attorney did not respond to Action News' request for comment.

Action News has also learned that Billingsley faces a civil case. Mshaka and Gill are pushing forward in Fresno County court, trying to recoup their money.

They estimate it is now at $3 million with legal fees and interest.

"As long as he pays back everybody and makes them whole, I think he can move on with his life and not do this to (anybody) else again," Gill said.

Billingsley will be sentenced in federal court in November. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and could have to pay restitution.

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