$220 million cattle fraud scheme leads to federal charges against company executives and associates

Fort Worth, Texas – Five individuals have been indicted for their alleged roles in a nationwide fraud scheme that authorities say siphoned more than $220 million from victims across the United States. The indictment, returned by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, was announced by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.

Prosecutors allege the defendants used false promises tied to cattle purchase contracts to lure investors, ranchers, and others into what authorities describe as a complex financial deception.

“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. “My office, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will hold these defendants accountable and pursue justice on behalf of the victims.”

Alleged scheme built on cattle investments

Those indicted include Jed Wood of Fort Worth, Texas; Joshua Link of Strafford, Missouri; Tia Link of Smithton, Missouri; Taylor Bang of Kildeer, North Dakota; and Royana Thomas of Arlington, Texas.

According to the indictment, each defendant held a role within Agridime LLC, a Fort Worth-based business that marketed cattle sales, meat processing, and retail services. Wood allegedly served as Operations Director, Joshua Link as Executive Director, Tia Link as Marketing Director, Bang as a cattle broker, and Thomas as financial controller.

Federal prosecutors allege that from January 2021 through December 2023, the defendants falsely represented that funds from investors and cattle purchasers would be used to buy specific cattle on behalf of each customer. The cattle would be raised and later processed for meat, with profits returned to investors.

Instead, the indictment claims the funds were diverted for other purposes, including operating expenses, payments owed to earlier investors, personal expenditures, and the purchase of real estate.

Authorities say the scheme drew in more than 2,200 victims nationwide through advertising and direct communications. According to the indictment, the defendants fraudulently collected more than $220 million.

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock described the operation as a deceptive enterprise built on false promises.

“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,” Rothrock said.

Charges and legal proceedings

The charges vary among the defendants but include wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering.

Wood faces three counts of wire fraud, one conspiracy count, and one money laundering count. Joshua Link faces ten counts of wire fraud, conspiracy, and two counts of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property. Tia Link faces three wire fraud counts, conspiracy, and one money laundering count tied to property purchases. Bang faces eight counts of wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. Thomas faces six wire fraud counts, conspiracy, and money laundering charges.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison per wire fraud count and conspiracy count, as well as up to 10 years for each money laundering count.

Tia Link and Taylor Bang appeared for arraignment before a United States Magistrate Judge in Fort Worth and were released under pretrial supervision. Jed Wood and Royana Thomas are scheduled to appear for arraignment on February 25, 2026.

Joshua Robert Link remains a fugitive, and the FBI is asking the public for information regarding his whereabouts.

Investigation and industry impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Worth Resident Agency led the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark McDonald is prosecuting the case.

The indictment underscores the scale and reach of the alleged fraud, which authorities say targeted participants in the cattle industry and investors seeking agricultural opportunities. The case also highlights how complex investment schemes can spread across state lines and affect thousands of victims before detection.

As the case moves forward in federal court, prosecutors say they will continue working to recover losses and hold those responsible accountable, while urging anyone with information about the fugitive defendant to contact federal authorities.