Charles “Todd” Hill, a former HGTV star who appeared on “Flip It to Win It” in 2013, has been sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay $9.4 million in restitution for committing real estate fraud. The sentencing was announced by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office.
Hill, 58, was the star of the show’s sole season, where teams of flippers bid against each other for abandoned houses and attempted to sell them for a profit. However, it was revealed that Hill had engaged in fraudulent activities, including overspending on remodels and pocketing profits.
Hill was indicted in 2019 and pleaded guilty last September to grand theft and aggravated white-collar enhancements. The investigation uncovered multiple instances of fraud where 11 victims were cheated by Hill.
One scheme involved Hill using an investor’s money for personal expenses, including luxurious living arrangements and vacations. Another investor who provided $250,000 for home renovations discovered that no work had been done on the property.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized the accountability for those who see real estate as a criminal opportunity rather than a business opportunity in Silicon Valley.
Charles “Todd” Hill, a former HGTV star known for his appearance on “Flip It to Win It,” has been sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay $9.4 million in restitution for committing real estate fraud. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office announced this decision following Hill’s 2019 conviction. Hill, who was once called “Mr. Flip It,” was found guilty of spending millions on overbudget remodels, laundering profits, and pocketing fraudulently obtained money. The scheme first came to light when one of Hill’s investors sued him for not receiving his share of profits. This led to further investigations uncovering 11 victims who had been cheated by Hill. In one case, Hill used an investor’s money to live lavishly instead of purchasing homes as promised. Another investor paid $250,000 for a renovation project only to find a burnt down shell with no work done. District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized the importance of holding individuals like Hill accountable for taking advantage of opportunities in the real estate market.
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