Fresno native Matthew Dane Billingsley, 39, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of wire fraud for a scheme that defrauded lenders and financial institutions of more than $30 million, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced Monday. 

Court documents from June 2018 to February 2023 show that Billingsley falsely claimed to have a brokerage account with millions in assets to secure loans. He provided fabricated account statements to secure loans from individuals and financial institutions. The brokerage account never existed.

Billingsley also misrepresented the purpose of the loan funds and used the money for his personal use and to pay down previous loans. 

In one instance, Billingsley forged a Fresno restaurant owner’s name on a profit-sharing agreement to secure a loan.

Billingsley is the general manager of Dog House Grill in Fresno, according to published reports.

Billingsley is set to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Nov. 10. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

According to the plea agreement, Billingsley could pay up to $20 million in restitution to victims.