A federal jury in Sherman, Texas, has convicted LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of operating a $25 million illegal pyramid scheme that prosecutors say exploited thousands of vulnerable people during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The four-day trial ended with the Moores found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, and money laundering, following evidence that they ran a scheme known as “Blessings in No Time” (BINT) from June 2020 to June 2021.
Promises of “Blessings” and 800% Returns
According to court records and testimony, the Moores promoted BINT through weekly livestream broadcasts, presenting it as a faith-based, community-driven support system designed to help people weather the economic fallout of pandemic shutdowns.
Participants were required to make a minimum “blessing” payment of $1,400, with promises of returns of up to 800 percent within weeks. Prosecutors said the couple falsely guaranteed refunds for dissatisfied participants and portrayed the program as an altruistic, invitation-only effort to uplift members of the same community.
In reality, BINT functioned as a classic chain-referral pyramid scheme, dependent on constant recruitment rather than legitimate income generation.
How the Scheme Worked
Evidence presented at trial showed that participants were placed on stacked “playing boards” with four tiers—Fire, Wind, Earth and Water. Once eight new recruits filled the lowest tier, payments were directed upward, ultimately benefiting those at the top.
Prosecutors said the Moores routinely placed themselves in the most profitable positions on these boards and diverted large sums directly to their own use. While a small number of participants briefly received payouts, the vast majority lost money.
The Department of Justice estimates that more than 10,000 people nationwide were defrauded, resulting in over $25 million in losses.
Targeting During a Time of Crisis
Federal authorities said the scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting trust, cultural ties and pandemic-era financial desperation.
“While many Americans struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, the defendants orchestrated a lucrative pyramid scheme with the sole aim of enriching themselves,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva. “Through lies and deceit, they recruited vulnerable people and defrauded them of millions of dollars.”
Victims who testified described investing savings meant for rent, food and family expenses, believing BINT offered a rare opportunity for financial relief during an unprecedented crisis.
Prior Civil Judgment and Sentencing Ahead
The criminal convictions follow earlier civil action by the Texas Attorney General’s Office, which resulted in a $10 million judgment against the Moores several years ago.
The couple now faces decades in federal prison. Each count of conspiracy and wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while each money laundering count carries up to 10 years. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
Authorities are urging anyone who believes they were victimized by the scheme to contact the Justice Department’s Victim Witness Unit.
