Horse Trainer from Texas Arrested in St. Thomas in $500K Fraud Scheme

Landen James, a horse trainer from Tioga, Texas, was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands after allegedly stealing up to $500,000 from over 30 victims.

Texas Horse Trainer Nabbed in St. Thomas After Multi-State Fraud Scheme

Landen James, a horse trainer from Tioga, Texas, was apprehended in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands on November 13, according to tscra.org — following a joint investigation involving the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Ranger Brad Oliver and the Grayson County Sheriff's Office.

James operated Majestic Ranch in Tioga, where he arranged consignment-based horse sales for clients across the United States. Sellers who completed consigned sales never received payment from James. Buyers, meanwhile, paid for horses they never received — leaving victims on both sides of the fraudulent transactions.

Authorities estimate James stole between $300,000 and $500,000 from more than 30 victims. Payments were processed through online platforms including PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.

On October 17, James stole a truck and fled the Tioga area, abandoning the vehicle in Aubrey, Texas. A coordinated effort by the Grayson County Sheriff's Office, Special Ranger Oliver, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the United States Marshals Service tracked him to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. Marshals arrested him on November 13. He is currently awaiting extradition to Grayson County to face felony theft charges.

TSCRA Special Rangers are continuing to assist in the investigation. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of James's scheme, or who has relevant information, is asked to contact the Operation Cow Thief tip line at 817-916-1775 or Special Ranger Oliver directly at 903-328-8023.

Source: Google News VI — Crime