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…