A Texas couple’s audacious pandemic pyramid scheme, which swindled over 10,000 victims nationwide out of $30 million during the COVID-19 crisis, has culminated in a devastating 40-year prison sentence for each perpetrator. LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, both residents of Frisco, Texas, were handed down their sentences in June 2026, following their conviction in January 2026 on charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
The Moores leveraged the widespread economic anxiety and desperation of the pandemic, operating their illicit enterprise under the guise of “Blessings in No Time” (BINT). This illegal chain-referral scheme ran from June 2020 to June 2021, preying on individuals seeking financial relief and community support during unprecedented times.
The Anatomy of a Pandemic Pyramid Scheme
At its core, BINT was a classic pyramid scheme, albeit one expertly disguised with a veneer of altruism. The Moores presented BINT as a benevolent community effort designed to assist struggling Americans with an astounding promise: an 800% return on a $1,400 investment. This astronomical return, combined with the Moores’ false guarantees of refunds for dissatisfied participants, proved irresistible to thousands of desperate individuals.
Recruitment primarily occurred through live-stream video broadcasts, creating a sense of urgency and community among potential victims. Participants were drawn into a structure of “playing boards,” where new recruits were required to pay $1,400 directly to those already at higher levels. The Moores, as the architects of this fraudulent system, strategically positioned themselves to siphon off substantial payments, ensuring their own enrichment at the expense of their burgeoning victim base.
“At the peak of the pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore launched an investment fraud scheme and cheated struggling Americans out of $30 million,” stated Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, underscoring the predatory nature of the Moores’ actions.
The Human Cost of Deception
The Moores’ pandemic pyramid scheme inflicted significant financial and emotional devastation on its victims. Over 10,000 people across the country, many undoubtedly facing job losses, health crises, or general economic uncertainty due to the pandemic, saw their hard-earned money vanish into the Moores’ pockets. The promise of an 800% return was not just a lure; it was a lifeline for many, tragically severed by the Moores’ greed. The human impact extends beyond mere financial loss, encompassing shattered trust, heightened stress, and the crushing realization of having been exploited during a global crisis.
Unraveling the Fraud
The elaborate facade of BINT eventually crumbled under the weight of its inherent unsustainability and the dedicated efforts of law enforcement. The investigation into the Moores’ pandemic pyramid scheme was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Secret Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation. These agencies meticulously pieced together the evidence, exposing the deceptive practices and tracing the flow of the ill-gotten gains.
Special Agent in Charge Eric Shen of the USPIS Criminal Investigations Group highlighted the profound harm caused by such deceptive investments, while Special Agent in Charge Christina Foley of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office emphasized the significant harm inflicted upon thousands of victims. Their combined efforts, alongside the diligent work of federal prosecutors, led to the Moores’ conviction.
Justice Served: Consequences and Recovery
Following their conviction, LaShonda and Marlon Moore faced the full force of federal law. The 40-year prison sentences for each, a testament to the severity and scale of their crimes, send a clear message about the consequences of preying on vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Related fraud investigations consistently demonstrate that such schemes, while often appearing lucrative initially, are designed to fail for the vast majority of participants.
U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas succinctly remarked, “The Moores’ get rich quick scheme has earned them a well-deserved stay in federal prison.” The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Theodore Kneller and Adam L.D. Stempel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas. While the source material does not detail specific asset recovery, it is standard practice in such cases for authorities to pursue forfeiture of illicitly gained assets to compensate victims.
Vigilance Against Investment Fraud
The Moores’ pandemic pyramid scheme serves as a stark reminder of the enduring threat of investment fraud, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. The promise of unusually high returns with little to no risk is a classic red flag. Always be wary of schemes that require recruitment of new investors to generate returns, lack transparency regarding their underlying business model, and pressure participants into quick decisions. Verifying the legitimacy of investment opportunities and consulting with trusted financial advisors are crucial steps in protecting oneself from falling victim to predatory schemes.
