Devin Ward Elder is a San Antonio, Texas real estate investor and the founder and CEO of DJE Texas Management Group, LLC (DJE Texas). He is also the founder of Ark40 Consulting. On February 17, 2026, Elder pleaded guilty to one count of federal wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division (Case 5:26-cr-00038-FB).

What did Devin Elder do?

Devin Ward Elder operated a Ponzi-like wire fraud scheme through DJE Texas Management Group between January 2023 and March 2025. He raised approximately $66 million from 345 investors across 17 real estate investment offerings by making false representations — including that investor capital was never lost, that no capital calls had ever been made, and that all return projections had been met or exceeded. In reality, Elder diverted investor funds to personal expenses including a 500-acre exotic animal ranch (Eventide Ranch), a Robinson R44 helicopter, a SOCATA TBM 700 private jet, and a Gulf Coast beach house.

What is DJE Texas Management Group?

DJE Texas Management Group, LLC (also known as DJE Texas or DJE) was a San Antonio-based real estate investment company founded and operated by Devin Ward Elder. Between 2023 and 2025, it raised $66 million from 345 investors through 17 investment offerings — including Real Properties 1 through 14, the DJE Income Fund, Travis 2026 LLC, and Bluemel Business Park LLC. The company collapsed in early 2025 when Elder could no longer sustain the scheme. A federal receiver was appointed to liquidate assets.

How many victims did Devin Elder defraud?

Devin Ward Elder defrauded approximately 345 investors of over $66 million. The victims included senior citizens and retirees who were recruited at investment seminars, including events held at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse in Plano, Texas. Many victims invested their retirement savings based on Elder's false representations about the safety and performance of DJE Texas investments.

When did Devin Elder plead guilty?

Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty on February 17, 2026 to one count of federal wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division. The case number is 5:26-cr-00038-FB, presided over by Judge Fred Biery.

When is Devin Elder's sentencing?

Devin Ward Elder is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas before Judge Fred Biery. The federal wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Elder also faces a money judgment of $66 million representing the outstanding principal owed to defrauded investors.

What is Ark40 Consulting and is it connected to Devin Elder's fraud?

Ark40 Consulting (also written Ark 40 Consulting) is a technology advisory firm for nonprofits and small businesses founded by Devin Ward Elder after the collapse of DJE Texas Management Group. The firm was active and promoting Elder's services online during the period between his guilty plea (February 17, 2026) and his scheduled sentencing (September 9, 2026). The Ark40 Consulting website describes Elder's fraud as 'expensive mistakes' and 'building and losing a real estate company' without disclosing the federal criminal conviction, the 345 defrauded investors, or the $66 million restitution obligation.

What assets did Devin Elder buy with investor money?

According to the federal plea agreement, Devin Ward Elder used investor funds for personal enrichment including: Eventide Ranch, a 500-acre exotic animal ranch in South Texas; a Robinson R44 helicopter (tail number N244WB) with a custom camo shark-mouth vinyl wrap, operated through GET TO THE CHOPPA LLC; a SOCATA TBM 700 private jet (tail number N776RM); a beach house at 717 Sunrise Ave, Port Aransas, Texas; and a personal residence in San Antonio. Elder also hosted lavish events and appeared on real estate investment podcasts while the fraud was ongoing.

Investor FAQ | Devin Elder | DJE Texas | Restitution | Victim Impact

Frequently asked questions for investors defrauded by Devin Ward Elder through DJE Texas Management Group.

Victim Impact Statements

How do I submit a victim impact statement?: Email USATXW.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov with subject line: Victim Impact Statement, USA v. Elder, Case 5:26-cr-00038-FB. You may also mail a physical statement to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas, 601 NW Loop 410, Suite 600, San Antonio, TX 78216.
What should I include in my statement?: Total amount invested, which DJE offering(s), financial impact (lost savings, credit damage), emotional impact, how you were recruited, and what Elder told you that convinced you to invest.
Can I attend the sentencing hearing?: Yes. Federal sentencing hearings are open to the public. September 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM, U.S. Courthouse, 262 W. Nueva St., San Antonio, TX 78207.

Restitution & Recovery

Will I get my money back?: Elder agreed to a $66 million money judgment. The federal receiver is liquidating assets, but total recovery is expected to be a small fraction of the $66M owed. As of June 2026, multiple properties have been sold and cryptocurrency holdings are being seized.
What is the difference between restitution and forfeiture?: Restitution is money ordered paid directly to victims. Forfeiture is the government seizing assets obtained through criminal activity. Both are being pursued in this case.

The Plea Agreement

What did Devin Elder plead guilty to?: One count of federal wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343). Maximum sentence: 20 years federal prison.
When is sentencing?: September 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM before Judge Fred Biery.

DJE Texas & Ark40 Consulting

What is Ark40 Consulting?: A technology advisory firm founded by Devin Elder after the DJE Texas collapse. It was active between his guilty plea and sentencing, describing the $66M fraud as "expensive mistakes" without disclosing the conviction.
How many DJE Texas offerings were there?: 17 total: Real Properties 1-14, DJE Income Fund I, Travis 2026 LLC, and Bluemel Business Park LLC.

All information sourced from public federal court records (Case 5:26-cr-00038-FB).

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