Former HGTV star Charles “Todd” Hill has been sentenced to four years in jail for committing real estate and financial fraud against 11 victims. He was also ordered to pay back nearly $10 million to victims. Hill, who starred on the series Flip It to Win It, was convicted of multiple fraud charges for schemes that occurred before and after the show aired in 2013. He spent the laundered money on a rented apartment in San Francisco, as well as hotels, vacations, and luxury cars. Hill admitted to grand theft against all victims during a court hearing in September 2023 and was ordered to pay back restitution and serve 10 years on probation.
In addition to using “diverted construction money” for personal use, Hill created a Ponzi scheme by creating false balance sheets and taking out loans after receiving money from an investor. Another scheme involved an investor giving him $250,000 to remodel a home, only to find it as a burnt down shell with no work done on it. Hill’s victims stated they suffered financial and professional damages as a result of his fraud. District Attorney Jeff Rosen expressed that while some see the real estate market as a business opportunity, others see it as a criminal opportunity, and those people will be held strictly accountable.
Charles “Todd” Hill was among the real estate professionals who appeared on HGTV’s Flip It to Win It. The show aired for one season in 2013 and featured six teams of real estate experts who transformed abandoned houses into desirable properties. Hill and his partner Michael Kaufman were tasked with winning auctions, renovating houses, and putting them on the market for a profit. The team that earned the highest profit from their renovation in each episode was declared the winner. Us Weekly reached out to HGTV for comment on Hill’s prison sentencing but did not receive a response.
Hill’s fraudulent activities were brought to light after an investigation by the District Attorney’s office, which found evidence of fraud against multiple individuals. The former TV personality was indicted in November 2019 following the investigation. The press release from the County of Santa Clara’s Office of the District Attorney detailed the charges against Hill and the schemes he executed to defraud his victims. In court, the victims of his fraud spoke out about the financial and professional damages they suffered as a result of his actions.
The sentencing of Charles “Todd” Hill serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to engage in fraudulent activities in the real estate market. The District Attorney’s office emphasized the importance of accountability for those who choose to take advantage of others for financial gain. Hill’s case highlights the potential consequences of committing fraud and the impact it can have on victims. The former HGTV star’s actions have resulted in a significant prison sentence and financial restitution to those affected by his fraudulent schemes.
