MARYLAND
A federal jury in Maryland has convicted a Maryland man who owned and operated a private jet charter company for defrauding customers out of approximately $15 million through a fraudulent investment scheme, officials announced Thursday.
Prosecutors said the defendant persuaded victims to make upfront payments of $150,000, falsely claiming the money would help his company purchase an aircraft.
In return, customers were promised blocks of discounted private flight hours and assurances that their investments would be protected.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the defendant misrepresented how the funds would be used and deceived customers about the security of their investments. The scheme resulted in losses totaling approximately $15 million.
The conviction followed a trial in the U.S. District Court.
Quick Facts
- Defendant: Maryland private jet charter operator
- Location: District of Maryland
- Charge: Fraud scheme involving private jet investments
- Loss Amount: Approximately $15 million
- Victims: Customers who made upfront payments
- Investment Required: $150,000 per participant
- Promise Made: Discounted flight hours and protected funds
- Verdict: Guilty by federal jury
According to evidence presented at trial, Patrick Britton-Harr, 43, of Annapolis, owned and controlled AeroVanti, a private air club that offered members access to private jet flights.
Prosecutors said Britton-Harr promoted a “Top Gun” membership program that required participants to pay $150,000 upfront to help purchase aircraft in exchange for discounted flight hours. He promised members their funds would be protected through aircraft titles held in escrow.
Instead, Britton-Harr diverted approximately $15 million collected from members for personal expenses, including yachts, jewelry, living costs, and the rental of a $10,000-per-month home near Tampa, Florida, according to trial evidence.
Prosecutors also said Britton-Harr attempted to conceal the scheme by obtaining a $1.5 million loan to purchase an aircraft he had falsely claimed was already acquired with member funds.
A federal jury convicted Britton-Harr on six counts of wire fraud. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Britton-Harr also faces separate federal charges filed in May 2025 alleging health care fraud and money laundering related to fraudulent Medicare billing for respiratory tests. That trial is scheduled to begin in October.
The FBI and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General investigated the case.