$105M Truck Scheme Promised Investors $1,250 a Week as Alleged Ponzi Operation Exposed

US prosecutors have accused Kristopher Lunsford, 46, of running a semi-truck investment scheme that collected more than $105 million from investors.

The Henderson, Nevada, resident was charged in Tampa with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.

Prosecutors say the alleged scheme operated between December 2023 and May 2025. Investors were allegedly promised weekly passive-income payments of about $1,000 to $1,250 after investing between $25,000 and $40,000 per truck.

Federal prosecutors detailed how Lunsford and others allegedly persuaded investors to purchase leases for semi-trucks.

According to the indictment, they represented that Lunsford's operation would buy the trucks, hire drivers, arrange insurance and manage day-to-day operations while investors earned passive income.

Prosecutors allege that about $75 million from newer investors was instead used to pay earlier investors.

Only about $2 million of investor funds went towards business-related expenses and operations, according to the Justice Department. Lunsford is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

How the Truck Scheme Hooked Hundreds

The indictment alleges that Lunsford and others solicited more than $105 million from investors over roughly 17 months.

Investors were typically asked to provide between $25,000 and $40,000 for each semi-truck. In exchange, they were allegedly promised guaranteed weekly payouts of about $1,000 to $1,250, presented as profits from operating the trucks.

Federal prosecutors claim those payments largely came from newer investors rather than profits generated by the trucking business.

The Justice Department said approximately $75 million of new investor funds went to earlier investors. Prosecutors also allege more than $25 million was used for Lunsford's personal enrichment.

US Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges. He said Florida is prosecuting the case because victims who reported the alleged scheme are in the Tampa area.

Prosecutors Detail Alleged Luxury Spending and Investor Losses

Prosecutors say money raised from investors was also used for real estate, sports cars, jewellery, luxury-brand goods, private charters, resorts, casinos and nightclubs.

Kehoe described the alleged spending during a news conference. 'He spent 4.1 million on clubs and bars, 4.1 million on resorts and casinos, 2.5 million on his private charters. He had 9.1 million in cash, 2.9 million in jewellery and $720,000 in luxury vehicles,' Kehoe said.

One investor, Heidi Longo, formerly of Brandon, said she invested nearly $100,000 in Lunsford's company. She told News Channel 8 that she initially received payments before eventually losing contact with Lunsford and his associates.

Longo said she invested while dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. 'I was like, well, I just got diagnosed with breast cancer, and I really need the money. I sold my personal truck. I took all that cash and everything I had, and I sent $25,000 to Khris Lunsford, and then I sent automated trucking $20,000,' she said.

Kristopher Lunsford Faces Federal Fraud Charges

Lunsford has been charged with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count. Each money laundering count carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years.

Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of $105,940,214.93, which the indictment identifies as proceeds of the alleged scheme. The government is seeking this amount and should not treat it as money already recovered or losses established at trial.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant US Attorney Ross Roberts is prosecuting it, while Assistant US Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling asset forfeiture.

Federal authorities also believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward and have encouraged them to contact investigators.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has separately filed a civil enforcement action against Lunsford, AKL Transport LLC and Southern Truck Leasing LLC in the Middle District of Florida.

The Justice Department stressed that the indictment represents allegations rather than a finding of guilt.

'An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.'

If you think you've been duped, the FBI wants to hear from you — they've set up a dedicated portal at forms.fbi.gov/victims/TruckLeaseFraud/view. More victims are expected to emerge. Kehoe urged anyone with information to come forward.

The question now is how many people get their money back, and how many are left standing at the end with nothing but a contract and a truck that never really existed.