Sherman, Texas — A federal jury has found a North Texas reality television couple guilty in a sweeping $25 million pyramid scheme that prosecutors say preyed on more than 10,000 victims during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of them from the African American community.
Marlon Moore and LaShonda Moore were convicted Friday in federal court in Sherman following a four-day trial. The jury found the couple guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, and money laundering, according to federal prosecutors. Sentencing dates have not yet been scheduled, but the convictions carry the potential for decades in federal prison.
Scheme Operated Out of North Texas Home
Prosecutors said the Moores ran the operation out of their home in Prosper, a fast-growing community in Collin County. The program, branded as “Blessings in No Time,” or BINT, was marketed as a way for participants to receive guaranteed financial returns during the economic uncertainty of the pandemic.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the couple promised participants quick payouts and refunds if they were dissatisfied — promises that were never fulfilled.
“The defendants targeted the African American community during the COVID-19 pandemic with false and misleading statements and promises regarding high returns,” prosecutors wrote in court filings, adding that the goal was to “unlawfully enrich themselves.”
How the Pyramid Scheme Worked
Court testimony revealed that participants were placed onto so-called “playing boards”, where they were encouraged to recruit additional investors in order to advance through levels and eventually receive a payout.
Victims were told they would be “blessed” financially once they reached certain positions in the system. In reality, prosecutors said, money from new recruits was used to pay earlier participants, a classic hallmark of a pyramid scheme.
“We were promised the money; we didn’t get it,” said Rosetta Fleming, one of the victims who testified during the investigation.
Fleming said she and her husband invested more than $6,000, believing the program would help them cover everyday expenses.
“We didn’t look at it like it was a gamble,” she said. “We looked at it like it was something that could help us pay the bills and feed our children.”
Targeting During the Pandemic
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the timing of the scheme was especially troubling.
As families across the country struggled with job losses, medical bills, and uncertainty during the pandemic, the Moores allegedly leaned into messaging that promised hope, stability, and community support — while secretly enriching themselves.
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“They specifically stated no other race, no other group of people,” Fleming said. “They were taking advantage of us.”
Investigators said more than $25 million flowed through the scheme, while thousands of participants were left without payouts or refunds.
Civil Case Preceded Criminal Convictions
The criminal convictions mark the latest chapter in the Moores’ legal troubles.
In 2021, the Texas Attorney General’s Office filed a civil lawsuit against the couple in Collin County, accusing them of running an illegal pyramid scheme. The Moores arrived at that court hearing with private security and publicly denied wrongdoing.
“I think the truth will come to light,” Marlon Moore said at the time.
In 2023, that civil case ended with a $10.76 million judgment against the couple. Court records do not clearly show how much of that judgment, if any, has been repaid.
Reality TV Background Adds to Public Attention
The case drew added attention because the Moores previously appeared on the reality television show Family or Fiancé, where they discussed their relationship and personal lives.
Prosecutors argued that their public profile helped build trust and credibility among potential investors.
What Happens Next
The Moores are currently being held at the Fannin County Jail while they await sentencing in federal court. Judges will later determine prison terms and whether restitution will be ordered for victims.
“It sent a message out to people that this is not tolerated,” Fleming said. “I’m still hoping to get some form of justice back.”
Federal officials say the case underscores the dangers of so-called “blessing” or gifting programs, which often disguise illegal pyramid schemes as community-based financial support.
The investigation remains a cautionary reminder for consumers to be wary of guaranteed returns — especially during times of crisis.
Do you think penalties for large-scale financial fraud are strong enough to deter similar schemes in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
