TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio (AVC News) — A 69-year-old man is accused of taking more than $1 million from a Tuscarawas County resident over nearly 20 years by promising to start an alpaca farm that never existed.
Ricky Lindsay is charged with aggravated theft, a second-degree felony, following an investigation by the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators, the 63-year-old victim gave Lindsay a total of $1,092,117 between 2006 and October 2026.
The alleged scheme began when the victim met Lindsay while discussing rental properties. Lindsay later approached him about becoming business partners in an alpaca farming operation that he claimed involved the government.
Investigators said Lindsay repeatedly asked the victim for money to purchase land, alpacas and other supplies needed to establish the farm. He also allegedly requested money for expenses such as IRS payments and, more recently, legal fees.
However, the farm never materialized. When the victim questioned Lindsay about the property or animals, investigators said Lindsay offered additional explanations.
The victim continued making payments, sometimes meeting Lindsay once or twice a week to hand over cash. He kept receipts and a detailed ledger documenting the transactions.
On Oct. 22, the victim reported the alleged scheme to the sheriff’s office. Investigators learned he had last met with Lindsay on Oct. 21, when he gave him another $1,064.
Deputies contacted Cambridge police and learned Lindsay was staying at a local hotel. When deputies questioned him about the allegations, authorities said he could not explain what happened to the money or provide information about the promised farm.
Lindsay was arrested Oct. 22. Investigators seized $1,065 in cash during his arrest, nearly matching the amount the victim had given him the previous day.
Cambridge police also charged Lindsay with obstructing official business after authorities alleged he provided a false name.
Investigators said Lindsay claimed he had been staying at the Cambridge hotel for about four months and also stayed at a hotel in Canton and occasionally in Florida. Authorities have been unable to verify those claims.
The sheriff’s office said investigators suspect Lindsay may have been involved in similar schemes, but that has not been confirmed.
Lindsay was transported to jail following discussions with Tuscarawas County prosecutors. He remains in the Tuscarawas County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
The investigation is ongoing.
