Cody Easterday was due to report to federal prison on Dec. 2. But, the day before, he got a last-minute two-week reprieve. In his order, the judge did not indicate why Easterday is receiving this new extension, but the judge did say this is the last one. Easterday is set to report Dec. 16. This comes after several delays because of a separate complex bankruptcy case involving the Washington state-based Easterday Ranches and Farms.
Easterday was convicted back in October on a charge of wire fraud for a $244 million cattle swindle against Tyson Fresh Meats and another company. He made up a fictional herd of hundreds of thousands of cattle, forward billing Tyson for their purchase and feeding. It’s one of the largest modern-day cattle rustlings in U.S. history.
When he goes in, the rancher will start serving an 11-year term.
Cody Easterday walks with family members from the Federal Courthouse on South Third Street after being sentenced to 11 years, on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, in Yakima, Wash.
Megan Farmer / KUOW