Erik Sandoval, Manager of Content and Coverage
James Walker Watson, Jr., the executive producer behind the ill-fated Southfork Music Festival, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud charges. The sentencing follows Watson’s arrest in Orlando in May 2022, based on a federal indictment from the Dallas area.
The charges stem from Watson’s role in defrauding investors of at least $3 million during the production of the Southfork Music Festival, a planned event just outside of Dallas. Prosecutors allege that, instead of using the funds for festival expenses, Watson diverted the money for personal use, making large cash withdrawals rather than funding the concert.
In May 2023, Watson, 68, pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting his involvement in the scheme. On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Watson to 20 years in prison (240 months).
U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding accountable those who defraud victims of their hard-earned money. Fraud is a crime of betrayal, often involving individuals who put their trust in the wrong hands, only to have their savings stolen. We appreciate the FBI’s diligent work in investigating this case and helping bring Watson to justice.”
Watson has a long history of financial crimes. In 2002, he was convicted of federal bank fraud charges related to the Sacramento Jazz Festival, where he was accused of kiting over $300,000 in checks written by his mother. Kiting, as defined by financial experts, involves the practice of taking unauthorized credit by issuing or altering checks to draw more funds than an account holds.
While still on probation for that conviction, Watson was indicted again in 2011 for additional bank fraud charges in Houston, where he was accused of defrauding investors out of $2.5 million through the Texas Music Festival. Among his victims were a 92-year-old woman and her 72-year-old daughter, who were among the individuals who entrusted him with their money.
Watson’s most recent sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of fraud, particularly for those who prey on investors’ trust. Federal prosecutors are committed to prosecuting such cases to protect victims from future financial harm.