Barndominium builder found guilty of wire fraud

(Press Release)

OMAHA, Neb. — U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Bryce A. Nolde, 37, of Waverly, Nebraska, was convicted Feb. 4, 2026, of three counts of wire fraud following a federal jury trial in Omaha.

Nolde operated BV Builders, a company that advertised itself as a construction business specializing in barndominiums and “shouses.” The terms barndominium and shouse, short for shed-house, generally refer to large, open-concept structures constructed with metal or wood framing and clad in metal siding and roofing. These buildings are commonly used as residences and may include workshops, garages or space for animals.

Evidence presented at trial showed that from July 2022 through early 2024, BV Builders advertised its ability to build customers their “dream homes.” The company collected large down payments or drew significant amounts from customers’ construction loans, claiming the funds would be used to pay subcontractors and suppliers. Instead, prosecutors said, the money was diverted to Nolde’s personal interests and other unauthorized purposes.

As a result, customers were left without completed homes and, in many cases, faced construction liens on their properties because subcontractors and suppliers were not paid. Dozens of victims testified at trial regarding the financial harm caused by the scheme.

The jury deliberated for slightly more than two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all three counts charged.

U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher, who presided over the case, scheduled Nolde’s sentencing for May 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Nolde may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.; the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Housing Finance Agency; the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and the Nebraska State Patrol.