A North Texas couple has been sentenced to 40 years each in federal prison for running a pandemic-era pyramid scheme that prosecutors say defrauded more than 10,000 people out of over $30 million.

Dallas DJ and entrepreneur DJ ASAP, whose real name is Marlon Moore, 39, and his wife, LaShonda Moore, 38, were convicted in January on conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges, CBS News reports. The couple has also appeared on the reality show, “Family or Fiancé.”

Prosecutors said the couple used weekly livestreams to sell what they called “Blessings in No Time,” an illegal chain-referral scheme built around “playing boards” labeled Fires, Winds, Earths, and Water. Victims were told a $1,400 “blessing” payment would bring an 800% return and a guaranteed refund, but officials said those promises were false.

“At the peak of the pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore launched an investment fraud scheme and cheated struggling Americans out of $30 million,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This fraud scheme exploited people out of their hard-earned money at a time when they needed it most. Opportunistic fraudsters like the Moores belong in prison.”

The operation ran from June 2020 through June 2021, a period when many families were under financial strain and searching for quick ways to make ends meet. Authorities said the Moores presented the scheme as an invitation-only community meant to help people during a difficult time, while funneling payments to top positions on the board and using the business to enrich themselves.

"The Moores used a polished image and a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a deceptive pyramid scheme built on fake 'playing boards' and false promises of 800% returns," said Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation Dallas Field Office, per CBS.

Federal prosecutors and investigators said the case was especially harmful because it targeted trust within the African American community and exploited hope during a national crisis. The sentencing closes a case that officials described as a cautionary example of how polished online promotions can hide serious fraud.

"The Moores' get-rich-quick scheme has earned them a well-deserved stay in federal prison," said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of Texas’ Eastern District.