Texas Couple Sentenced to 40 Years for $30 Million COVID-Era Pyramid Scheme
LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of Frisco, Texas, were each sentenced to 40 years in prison for operating "Blessings in No Time" (BINT), a pyramid scheme that defrauded over 10,000 victims of $30 million between June 2020 and June 2021. The scheme falsely promised 800% returns on $1,400 investments and used a multi-level board structure to recruit participants and funnel payments to the operators. The case highlights how fraudsters exploited economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and targeted vulnerable communities.
LaShonda Moore and Marlon Moore were convicted in January 2026 and sentenced to 40 years each for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering related to their operation of "Blessings in No Time," an illegal chain-referral pyramid scheme. The scheme operated between June 2020 and June 2021, recruiting participants through weekly live-stream broadcasts with promises of 800% returns on $1,400 investments and guaranteed refunds. Participants were placed on "playing boards" with four levels (Fires, Winds, Earths, and Water), and those advancing were required to recruit additional members; the Moores positioned themselves to collect substantial final payments. Prosecutors noted the couple used a polished public image and media appearances to build trust while deliberately targeting the African American community. The scheme defrauded more than 10,000 victims during a period of significant economic hardship caused by the pandemic, with the Moores diverting substantial funds to themselves.
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Texas couple gets 40 years for $30M COVID pyramid scheme
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