Iowa Farmer Sentenced to 15+ Years in Cattle Theft and Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme
A Clayton County farmer who stole over $5 million in livestock and COVID-19 pandemic benefits was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Michael Wayne Butikofer, age 54, from Monona, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 1, 2023, guilty plea to one count of theft of livestock, one count of wire fraud, and one count of false bankruptcy declaration.
Evidence in the case established that Butikofer operated a large farming operation in northeast Iowa known as “Fawn Hollow.” Butikofer operated a custom cattle feeding operation in which employees of his organization would raise and care for cattle owned by other individuals.
In July 2020 and August 2020, Butikofer defrauded the USDA of more than $1.2 million in emergency assistance funds designed to assist livestock producers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Butikofer used these funds to file for bankruptcy later that same month.
During the bankruptcy case, Butikofer perjured himself five times and made a series of false and fraudulent statements about his financial condition in bankruptcy filings. In March 2022, Butikofer submitted a false and fraudulent statement of financial affairs in his bankruptcy case.
Butikofer’s crimes have sent shockwaves through the agricultural community, with many questioning the lack of oversight and regulation. The case highlights the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and greater transparency in the agricultural industry.
Iowa Senator John A. Hickenlooper called the sentence “appropriate”, stating that “Butikofer’s actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the agricultural community and the people of Iowa.”
Defendant: Michael Wayne Butikofer
Criminal Charges: Theft of livestock, wire fraud, false bankruptcy declaration
City and State: Monona, Iowa
Exact Date: October 10, 2024
Sentence: More than 15 years in federal prison
Dollar Amounts: Over $5 million
Related Federal Cases
- Bankruptcy Fraud Lands Iowa Man in Prison · Kansas
- Gwendolyn Murray, Tax Fraud and Identity Theft, Cedar Rapids IA, 2015 · Iowa
- Donald Lynn Embree, Grain Fraud, Iowa 2017 · Iowa
- Michael Royster, Making False Statements to a Production Credit Association, Iowa 2017 · Idaho
- Ranae Harriet Van Roekel, Mail Fraud, Iowa 2016 · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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