Four Texas residents indicted in $1.5 billion federal tax shelter fraud

Who's involved

• Duncan John MacDonaldDefendant
• Sarah DurenDefendant
• Richard Ronald CayceDefendant
• Thomas WeickgenantDefendant
• U.S. Attorney Ryan RaybouldFederal prosecutor, Northern District of Texas

The facts

• Federal grand jury in Dallas indicted four defendants on Sept. 22, 2026.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Defendants allegedly sold clients sham trust arrangements for fees often exceeding $100,000.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Defendants allegedly told clients trusts would shelter approximately 90% of income from taxation.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• MacDonald allegedly diverted $2 million in investor funds to purchase a Rolls-Royce Ghost and yacht down payment.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• MacDonald was subject to court injunction against selling unregistered securities when he solicited investments.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• All four defendants face up to five years in prison on conspiracy to defraud charge.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Case investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric B. Chen.²

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Federal prosecutors Defendants told clients they could defer taxes indefinitely while retaining control of assets.^{1 2}
• Federal prosecutors Defendants encouraged clients to backdate trust documents and seek refunds through amended returns.^{1 2}
• Federal prosecutors Weickgenant instructed clients not to speak with IRS agents and ignore federal court orders.^{1 2}
• Federal prosecutors MacDonald and Duren concealed millions in tax shelter fees through trusts in other people's names.^{1 2}