A popular Dallas, Texas DJ and his wife were each sentenced to 40 years in prison for running an illegal pyramid scheme that netted them $25 million in profits.
Marlon Moore, 39, a.k.a DJ ASAP, and his wife LaShonda Moore, 38, were convicted on June 9 of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and 3 counts of money laundering. They were each sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy and wire fraud, and 10 years for money laundering.
Marlon Moore is best known for his appearances on BET’s “106 & Park.” He was also a well-known DJ in the Dallas area and appeared in events such as “Spring Bling” in 2010.
Marlon and LaShonda married in 2019 and lived jet-set lives from the proceeds of their pyramid scheme called “Blessings in No Time (BINT). The Moores recruited 10,000 “investors” nationwide using social media and weekly live-stream videos. They promised their victims 800% returns on their $1,400 investments.
The Moores ramped up their investment pitch during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors said the Moores encouraged victims to recruit more people to invest in the pyramid scheme. Victims lost their money and some people lost their homes.
“While many Americans struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore orchestrated a lucrative pyramid scheme with the sole aim of enriching themselves,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through lies and deceit, the defendants recruited vulnerable people and defrauded them of millions of dollars. The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting fraudsters who inflict substantial harm on every day Americans trying to make a living.”
“The defendants, through their operation of the Blessings in No Time (BINT) pyramid scheme, defrauded over 10,000 individuals of more than $25 million, using false promises and misleading statements to recruit participants,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas. “The defendants’ actions were a betrayal of trust, and the Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable who engage in such schemes. I commend the efforts of our investigative partners and the team who worked to bring about a ‘win’ for the victims who suffered great losses at the hands of these defendants.”
“The Moores used a polished image and even a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a multi-million-dollar pyramid scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “This scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting cultural trust and community ties. Today’s conviction sends a clear message: if you abuse trust and exploit communities for personal gain, you will face justice.”