"Playing Games With Other People's Money" Marlon and LaShonda Moore Get 40 Years In $30 Million Pyramid Scheme That Ripped Off Black People

Marlon Moore and LaShonda Moore spent years building trust through livestreams, personal referrals and a reality show appearance that made them familiar faces to thousands of viewers. Thursday, that journey ended with matching 40 year federal prison sentences after a jury found the couple guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

Blessings In No Time, better known as BINT, arrived during the pandemic when many households were searching for extra income. Jurors later determined people were persuaded to send $1,400 payments with promises that the contribution could multiply dramatically once additional recruits joined the network.

Recognition from OWN's Family or Fiancé helped open doors. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecutors argued the couple used that visibility to convince people the opportunity was legitimate.

Livestream broadcasts, church connections, family ties and text messages helped the venture grow. Each newcomer supplied funds that rewarded earlier members, creating the illusion of prosperity while recruiters searched for the next wave of participants.

Bank deposits arriving in some accounts helped fuel confidence. Federal prosecutors said the structure depended entirely on constant recruitment rather than legitimate wealth creation.

Many victims lived in Black neighborhoods where trust often traveled through relatives, friendships and faith circles. That familiarity helped the enterprise reach thousands of households before losses began piling up.

Jay R. Combs summarized the government's position with a blunt warning. "Playing games with other people's money while promising unrealistic returns is stealing and will be prosecuted and punished."

Fame that once attracted followers later became evidence. Prosecutors argued viewers saw successful entrepreneurs while investigators uncovered a recruiting operation powered by false promises and unrealistic earnings pitches.

January delivered guilty verdicts. Thursday delivered punishment as each spouse received a four decade prison term tied to a scheme that generated more than $30 million from over 10,000 victims.

What happened took years to piece together. Thousands of people learned the truth much faster after expected checks stopped arriving and savings they hoped would change their lives disappeared instead.