Maryland businessman convicted of $15 million private jet scheme

Patrick Britton-Harr, a Maryland businessman, was convicted on six counts of fraud in a $15 million scheme tied to his private aviation venture. The Annapolis resident led AeroVanti, a private air club that marketed discounted flight hours to members who paid $150,000 upfront to help the company buy a plane. Prosecutors said Britton-Harr used roughly $15 million in member funds to support a luxury lifestyle rather than purchase an aircraft, presenting a false promise of ownership secured by an escrow title. The case underscores the risks of high‑end air travel memberships and the scrutiny of private aviation promoters.

Court filings describe extravagant expenditures, including yachts and jewelry, and rent for a Florida home at about $10,000 per month. Britton-Harr allegedly attempted to conceal the fraud by securing a $1.5 million loan to buy one of the planes he had claimed to purchase with member funds, while withholding details from the lender. In May 2025, he was indicted on multiple healthcare‑fraud counts and a money‑laundering count related to Medicare billing; prosecutors expect a separate trial in October. The Department of Justice said the case highlights enforcement against deception in the private aviation sector.