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Cattle Farmer Get Restitution For Check Scandal

Posted: 9:59 PM May 9, 2012
Reporter: Michael Gossum

Cattle Farmer Get Restitution For Check Scandal

WBKO first began investigating this story in 2010, when we received complaints about some farmers who didn't get paid for their cattle.

Now, almost a-year-and-a-half later those farmers are going to see restitution beginning this Saturday.

Cattle farmer Ronnie Lane got a letter.

It said he was getting his money about $9,000.

"I'm tickled to death, I could sure use the money. I'm glad that we are getting it," said Lane.

Lane was one of 173 victims of the Eastern Livestock check kiting scheme that defrauded several area cattle farmers in late 2010.

Now, the Kentucky Attorney General's office has secured $900,000 to hand out in restitution.

"Attorney General Conway made this investigation a priority, and he always said his priority in this investigation was to get restitution back for farmers, and he was thrilled to be able to make good on that promise to farmers," said Allison Gardner Martin, Communications Director for Attorney General.

However, there are some who were ripped off, who aren't getting restitution checks.

One farmer didn't file the necessary paperwork to get the money because he didn't think it was worth it.

"I hadn't filed with the bonding company because he told me I would probably only get a few cents to the dollar. So, I didn't think it was worthwhile to fool with it," said check scandal victim Bobby Smith.

Smith has now changed his mind, and is reaching out to the Attorney General's office.

"When I called the Attorney General's office, he told me they got their list of names from the bonding company, and i wasn't on that. Therefore, he said after this was all over in maybe 8-10 months, with what money was left over, I might get a percentage of that, but I won't get all my money," said Smith.

And today, the Attorney General's office confirmed they will work with all victims of this crime.

"The office of the attorney general is talking to victims who didn't go through the process, and they'll do what they can. If there is documentation to be able to provide some restitution, but I think most of the farmers you'll talk with were familiar with the process, and whether or not they decide to pursue that process was up to them," said Martin.

Now, several farmers like Ronnie Lane will get their checks at the Cave City Comfort Inn, and Smith says he'll be there, too.

Members of the Attorney General's staff will be at the Cave City Comfort Inn from 8 am to 4 pm this Saturday handing out the checks.

The money is coming from former Eastern Livestock employees, Grant Gibson and Darren Brangers.