Since the time of the first white settlers,

cattle have been one of the most prized commodities

in the American West.

They've inspired epic tales of cattle runs

from Texas to Montana, shootouts, songs.

They've long been linked to prosperity and power.

Beyond the American West mythology, though,

cattle, of course, are a commodity.

These days, in average, 12 to 1,600 pound beef animal

sells for a few thousand dollars.

All to say, the beef industry is massive in this country.

And apparently, even now, still a target for a cattle swindle.

What's a cattle swindle, you ask?

Oh, dear friends, we have a tale to tell.

I'm Rachel Martin.

This is up for Sunday.

Late last year, a Washington state rancher

began serving an 11-year sentence

for one of the largest cattle-related fraud schemes

in US history.

A swindle so big, it actually affected the price of beef

for American consumers.

...