(HAMILTON) - A Butler man has been charged with felony fraud following an investigation into an alleged cattle investment scheme involving digital payment apps.
The Herald Republican reports that Albert L. Watson Jr., 24, of Butler, was arrested Tuesday by the Steuben County Sheriff's Office and charged with Level 6 felony fraud. Investigators allege Watson accepted payment for cattle he never intended to deliver.
According to court documents, Watson solicited an investment partner in November 2025, claiming he would purchase Angus heifers in Kentucky and resell them in Indiana for a profit. A buyer sent $1,680 via Cash App for four cattle, followed by an additional $1,680 through PayPal after Watson claimed technical issues accessing the original payment.
Both transactions ultimately processed, but the cattle were never delivered and communication became inconsistent, investigators said. Watson later failed to appear for a scheduled meeting to resolve the issue.
Law enforcement determined Watson was on probation and prohibited from leaving Indiana, despite claims he was traveling out of state. Investigators also found the property Watson claimed was being used for cattle was an undeveloped wood lot with no fencing or livestock facilities, and the landowner reported no connection to Watson.
The buyer recovered a portion of the funds through PayPal and reported the matter to police. If convicted, Watson faces up to two and a half years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.