PLANO, Texas — A man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after he was convicted of defrauding investors out of $3 million under the guise of holding concerts at Southfork Ranch, the North Texas property made famous on the "Dallas" television series.
James Walker Watson Jr., 68, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in May 2023, according to the United State Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III sentenced Watson to 20 years in prison on Thursday, June 20.
Prosecutors said Watson "devised and carried out a scheme" to defraud multiple people in North Texas, telling them he was a successful concert promoter, according to a news release. Watson told the victims that he was looking for investors to put on concert events, including two concerts at the Southfork Ranch in Plano.
Watson took the money, but didn't put on any concerts, telling the victims that if they didn't invest more money, they wouldn't get any of their initial investments back, prosecutors said.
“The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to bring charges against and prosecute those who commit fraud and steal money from victims in our district,” U. S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs said in the release. “These crimes often take advantage of individuals who trust the defendants with their hard-earned savings and investments, only to lose them forever."
Southfork Ranch rose to national popularity in 1978 when it debuted on "Dallas" on CBS. The show ran through 1991, but the show remained popular in syndication, and the ranch became a picturesque tourist destination.
Southfork's owners opened the property as an event center in 1985, featuring a 63,000-square-foot conference and event center, WFAA reported. A rodeo arena was also constructed on the Southfork grounds.
In 2022, Farmers Branch-based Centurion American Development Group announced it had acquired the 241-acre property. The group said its final development plans for Southfork Ranch "include larger residential lots, although the size and number will be determined in conjunction with discussions with the City of Parker."
