Matthew Opperman was convicted of Racketeering, Forgery and Securities Fraud

Attorney General John Kroger today announced that a cattleman received a 5-year prison sentence for defrauding more than $555,000 from Oregon investors in a scheme involving interests in high-end bucking bulls.

“Ripping off investors is unacceptable,” said Keith Dubanevich, Chief of Staff and Special Counsel to Attorney General Kroger. “I’d like to thank the Division of Finance and Corporate Securities for their help on this case.”

Matthew Opperman (DOB: 3/19/73) was sentenced today in Clackamas County Circuit Court 60 months in prison after pleading guilty on February 3 to one count of Racketeering, four counts of First-Degree Forgery and one count of Securities Fraud. He was also ordered to pay more than $400,000 in restitution.

In a scheme that lasted nearly four years, Opperman sold securities to Oregon investors that represented interests in high-end bucking bulls and their progeny. The securities were not registered, Opperman was not registered to sell securities and he had already sold the same interests in the same animals to other investors. To complete the fraud, Opperman altered registration paperwork connected to the animals so investors were unaware that they were investing in something that was already heavily encumbered to other investors. Opperman took more than $555,000 from his investors, nearly all of which was lost.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Andrew D. Campbell prosecuted the case for the Oregon Department of Justice. The Oregon Division of Finance and Corporate Securities assisted with the investigation.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us |