A man from Strafford who federal agents say was tied to a nationwide cattle fraud case has been arrested. It happened earlier this week at Los Angeles International Airport.
The man, Joshua Link, was taken into custody after being wanted by the F.B>I. Prosecutors say he now faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
According to investigators, Link worked with others to move money through wire transfers while trying to buy property. Authorities say the activity was part of a much larger fraud scheme tied to the cattle industry.
Earlier this year, the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas said the case had reached across the country. Thousands of investors, ranchers and others connected to the cattle business were reportedly affected.
The way investigators describe it, the plan wasn’t complicated. People were promised opportunities tied to cattle and ranching. Money came in. But instead of going where investors expected, authorities say a chunk of those funds was diverted for personal use.
Several others have also been named in the indictment.
They include Tia Link of Smithton, Missouri, Taylor Bang of Kildeer, North Dakota, Royanna Thomas of Arlington, Texas, and Jed Wood of Fort Worth, Texas.
Federal officials haven’t said yet when Link will appear in court, but the case is still unfolding. And for people who make their living around cattle, it’s another reminder to ask a few more questions before sending money anywhere.
Out in ranch country, trust matters. Stories like this show what happens when that trust gets taken for a ride.
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