Dallas Police Officer Reginald Jones was indicted on February 14 on charges of organizing a type of pyramid promotion scheme called a “blessing circle” with several other officers in the South Central Patrol Division.
The Dallas Express previously reported that Jones turned himself in to police after the Dallas Police Department obtained a warrant for his arrest in October 2021.
Over a dozen officers were accused of orchestrating a plan in which they collected money from other officers with the assurance of compensating them for recruiting more individuals.
Jones apparently collected $48,000 from 159 recruits via the “blessing circle.” The participants were instructed to send $100, $500, or $1,400 through CashApp and recruit at least two new members.
Criminal defense attorney Russell Wilson, who is not associated with the case, told Fox 4 News about the basics of this type of scheme.
“There’s a theme. So here, the theme is you are receiving blessings,” Wilson explained. “And in order to receive a blessing, you have to give a blessing. But you receive your blessing four- or five-times fold. So, if you put in $100, later on when you are blessed, you may get $500.”
Jones’ attorney, Chris Knox, said his client and the other officers were unaware that their actions were illegal and did not intend to break the law.
Two of Jones’ colleagues, Dallas Police reserve officer Brad Deason and civilian employee Sonja Davis, were also indicted.
The remaining officers involved in the scheme have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
