Cases by state
Ponzi schemes in Kentucky
6 cases announced 2017–2026, involving about $186M in reported investor money. Most common types: trading, forex & commodities, real estate and agriculture & cattle. Listed by where the main defendant was based.
The largest by reported amount: McClain Farms Inc., 7M Cattle Feeders Inc., McClain Feed Yard Inc. ($170M, 2023). Charges are allegations unless a court has entered a conviction or judgment.
Pitch phrases seen in these cases
- “flip your money as many times as possible in a year”
- “secure, high yield banking opportunity”
- “short-term, secured real estate rehabilitation and bridge loans”
- “guaranteed return”
- “double-digit profits”
- “by false pretenses”
- “considerable interest rate”
- “phelps family trust”
Cases
| Date | Case | Location | Industry | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 2026 | Lighthouse Estates, Red Door Legacy, Starpoint Holdings Van Laurence Barker |
Fort Knox, KY | Real estate | $1.1M |
| Apr 28, 2023 | McClain Farms Inc., 7M Cattle Feeders Inc., McClain Feed Yard Inc. Brian McClain |
Benton, KY | Agriculture & cattle | $170M |
| Jun 2, 2020 | Turning Point Investments William S. Evans III |
Harrodsburg, KY | Trading, forex & commodities | $10M |
| Sep 13, 2018 | Roger Dale Williams | Shelbyville, KY | Investment funds & advisory | $1.4M |
| Nov 28, 2017 | Danny P. Butler | Campbellsville, KY | Legal & litigation funding | $1.3M |
| Jun 27, 2017 | Maverick Asset Management LLC Rodney Scott Phelps, Jason T. Castenir |
Somerset, KY | Trading, forex & commodities | $2.2M |