Joshua Link, a Missouri fugitive, faces federal charges over a $220 million cattle fraud conspiracy. The scheme, involving Agridime LLC, a Texas-based cattle and meat processing company, allegedly defrauded over 2,200 U.S. investors. Link and co-defendant Tia Link, both Missouri residents, are accused of misusing funds meant for cattle purchases to cover personal expenses, operating costs, and property acquisitions, including a $527,000 property purchase. Joshua Link, executive director of Agridime, remains at large, while Tia, charged with three wire fraud counts, appeared in court Friday.

Three other defendants, including Fort Worth resident Jed Wood, face similar charges. The indictment alleges the group falsely promised to buy cattle, raise it, and resell meat for profit—a claim contradicted by their alleged diversion of funds. Convictions could result in up to 20 years per wire fraud count and 10 years for money laundering.