January 1, Cattle Fraud Scheme Rattles Ranchers Nationwide

Wyatt’s Take

• Five people face federal charges tied to a $220 million cattle fraud scheme impacting folks nationwide.
• The group is accused of drawing in over 2,200 victims with promises they never kept.
• One defendant remains on the run; the FBI is asking for public help.

Federal prosecutors have charged five individuals in connection with a $220 million cattle fraud scheme. The alleged fraud stretched nationwide, drawing in thousands of investors and ranchers with claims of securing cattle for them—but prosecutors say those claims proved false.

A grand jury in Fort Worth indicted Jed Wood, Joshua Link, Tia Link, Taylor Bang, and Royana Thomas for wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. Court documents state each person held key roles in Agridime LLC, a Texas-based business dealing in cattle sales and meat processing.

“Thousands of unwitting investors, ranchers, and others in the cattle industry nationwide were drawn in and victimized by the defendants’ multi-million dollar scheme alleged in this indictment,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.

From 2021 to 2023, the group is accused of using investors’ money to pay company expenses and personal costs, rather than actually buying cattle as promised. New investors’ funds went to cover payments to earlier clients—leaving more than 2,200 people out a total of $220 million, according to authorities.

The FBI is searching for Joshua Link, who remains a fugitive. “The defendants allegedly used false promises to lure prospective clients into their scheme and then misappropriated client funds to enrich themselves. One individual, Joshua Robert Link, remains a fugitive. We are asking the public to contact the FBI if they have any information regarding Link’s location,” said FBI Special Agent R. Joseph Rothrock.

If convicted, each faces up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, plus more for conspiracy and money laundering. Some of the accused have already appeared in court and were released under supervision, while others are set for future court dates.

The FBI and USDA are still investigating, and prosecutors say they will seek justice for those hit hardest by this betrayal.

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Wyatt Matters

When hardworking families are taken for a ride by big promises, it hits close to home. Integrity and honesty are the backbone of our heartland, and we depend on each other to keep faith in the markets that feed our nation. Stories like this remind us to stay alert, look out for our neighbors, and keep demanding accountability from folks at every level—because it’s the right thing to do for our communities.

Full details here