A Branson performer has pleaded guilty to defrauding his audience of over 85,000 dollars collectively.
James Patrick Garrett of Branson pleaded guilty to soliciting donations to a foster children’s charity called Diamond Jym Ranch at the end of his John Denver tribute performances at the Branson IMAX. The solicitations lasted from 2016 to 2020.
“For several years, this performer took advantage of his own audiences by pulling at their heartstrings while stealing from their pockets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore. “He cynically and greedily victimized donors who falsely believed they were helping foster children. There’s no way to know how much cash was actually stolen, but we intend to seek restitution for the victims law enforcement has identified, as well as prison time and a hefty fine.”
The Diamond Jym ranch never existed and Garrett knew this at the time. The organization was created with Garrett as the President and sole board member. The organization existed ostensibly for “the purpose of establishing homes for displaced or homeless boys or girls, to provide training and education for such children, to provide them with food, lodging, and their well being.”
Garrett would direct audience members to make one-time or recurring donations to the ranch.
He admitted to using the money for dining out at Branson restaurants, credit card debt, rent, taxes, mortgage payments, health insurance, and automobile insurance.
