LaShonda Moore, $30M Pyramid Scheme, Texas 2026

A Texas couple's get-rich-quick scheme has finally come to an end, but not before they swindled struggling Americans out of a staggering $30 million. LaShonda and Marlon Moore were sentenced to 40 years each in prison for running a fraudulent chain-referral pyramid scheme, following their convictions by a jury in January 2026.

The Moores launched their investment fraud scheme at the height of the pandemic, preying on desperate individuals who were looking for a way to make ends meet. But instead of providing relief, the couple exploited their victims, promising unrealistic returns on their investments.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division slammed the Moores, saying their actions were "opportunistic" and "exploited people out of their hard-earned money at a time when they needed it most." U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas added that the couple's scheme was "stealing" and would be "prosecuted and punished."

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) also weighed in, with Inspector in Charge Eric Shen stating that the harm caused by such schemes "cannot be overstated." The USPIS has made it clear that they will continue to aggressively investigate and hold fraudsters accountable.

The Moores' 40-year prison sentences are a fitting punishment for their crimes, which have left a trail of financial devastation in their wake. As the dust settles on this case, one thing is clear: those who exploit uncertainty and hardship for personal profit will be brought to justice.

Source: Department of Justice

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/texas-couple-sentenced-running-illegal-pyramid-scheme