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EMPHIS, Tenn. – A dream of owning a home turned into a nightmare for two women in Memphis who say a local real‑estate investor stole their money.

    Idella West, a nurse working toward a master’s degree, met Xavian McNeal through mutual friends. She wanted to buy a house on Jackson Avenue near Hawthorne Street to launch a residential care facility for veterans. “My passion has always been about helping people,” West told FOX13. She sent McNeal $1,800 via CashApp for the down payment and closing fees. After more than eight months, the property was never transferred to her. “He took my money for his own personal gain,” West said. “He did nothing he promised to do. How can you do that to someone?”

    FOX13’s investigation uncovered that McNeal faces an active criminal case for theft of property. In that case, the accuser—who asked to remain anonymous—claimed she invested $38,000 with McNeal to buy two properties for profit. She says McNeal never delivered on the deal and only returned $1,000 via CashApp. “I was just angry,” she said. “I’m a single mom, a woman, a health‑care provider, and I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it.”

    McNeal has not commented. When FOX13 reached out, he texted, “We’re in court with an attorney. I can’t speak on that.”

    The Better Business Bureau of the Mid‑South urged prospective homebuyers to conduct thorough due diligence. “Meet the people in person, ask detailed questions, and watch out for high‑pressure sales tactics,” said BBB spokesman Daniel Irwin. “Always work with a licensed professional and verify their credentials independently.”