Chris Trowbridge and Heath Cheek Secure $23M Verdict in Cattle Fraud Matter, Garner Nationwide Coverage

Bell Nunnally partners Christopher B. Trowbridge and R. Heath Cheek recently secured a unanimous $23.1 million jury verdict on behalf of Sidney, Nebraska-based cattle broker Midwestern Cattle in a fraud matter involving a check kiting scheme perpetrated by a cattle business. Trowbridge and Cheek, working in concert with local counsel, unpacked the illegal scheme involving complex cash flow streams across more than 100 invoices and the use of a fraudulent cattle business. The case is Owen Lyon, and Monna Lyon, Cause No. 15-07-061, in the 271st District Court in Jack County, Texas.

The favorable outcome, with particular resonance in the cattle industry, was covered nationwide in general consumer, legal and business publications.

The Sidney Sun-Telegraph (Sidney, Nebraska) quoted Trowbridge as saying, “At its heart, this case was about the reputation of the Texas livestock industry. I told the jury they had the power to send a message to the rest of the country that Texans do not tolerate cattle fraud and they would protect all people who buy and sell cattle in the Lone Star State. And, God Bless Texas, this jury definitely sent that message.”

Links to coverage:

• The Fence Post – “Texas jury finds for Neb. and Colo. cattlemen in fraud conspiracy”
• Law360 – “Texas Jury Awards $23M For Cattle Broker Fraud”
• Sidney Sun-Telegraph – “Verdict for Sidney-based cattle broker in cattle fraud case”
• The Texas Lawbook – “Jack Co. Family Hit with $23M Cattle Fraud Verdict”
  
• Texas Lawyer – “All Hat, No Cattle, Leads to $23.1M Verdict”