US Charges Nevada Trucking Operator Lunsford in $105M Investment Fraud; SEC Alleges $127M Ponzi Scheme

Federal prosecutors on September 27, 2026 charged Kristopher Lunsford of Henderson, Nevada, with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering in a semi-truck lease investment scheme exceeding $105 million. The indictment alleges Lunsford solicited funds from December 2023 through May 2025, promising guaranteed weekly payouts of $1,000 to $1,250 per vehicle on $25,000-to-$40,000 investments. Prosecutors say roughly $75 million from newer participants funded earlier payouts, while more than $25 million went to personal enrichment including real estate, sports cars and jewelry. A separate SEC civil action against Lunsford, AKL Transport and Southern Truck Leasing claims at least $127 million raised from about 765 investors nationwide between May 2023 and May 2025. Regulators say the promised 260% annual return was tied to a fleet the complaint contends "was materially overstated." The defendants consented to proposed judgments without admitting the civil allegations. Each wire fraud count carries up to 20 years in prison; money laundering counts up to 10 years. The US seeks $105,940,214.93 in forfeiture.