They ran a Fort Worth cattle business. It was a $220 million fraud operation, prosecutors say

February 13, 2026 - 18:31

Federal prosecutors have unveiled a sweeping indictment against five individuals, alleging they operated a massive cattle business in Fort Worth as a sophisticated $220 million fraud operation. A grand jury returned the indictments this week, charging the group with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to court documents, the scheme involved soliciting millions of dollars from investors for the purchase and care of cattle. Prosecutors allege the defendants created a complex network of companies to give the appearance of a legitimate, large-scale cattle operation. However, authorities claim the business was largely a sham, with investor funds used to make Ponzi-style payments to earlier investors and for the personal enrichment of the defendants, including purchases of luxury real estate, vehicles, and jewelry.

The elaborate alleged fraud spanned several years and involved numerous victims across multiple states. If convicted, the defendants face decades in federal prison. The case highlights the continued vigilance of federal authorities in investigating complex financial crimes within the agricultural and investment sectors. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.