by | Published
BUDA, Texas - A San Marcos man who posed as a doctor and law enforcement officer while carrying out an elaborate fraud scheme spanning multiple states has been sentenced to a combined 80 years in prison after investigators linked him to a series of thefts involving recreational vehicles, trailers, tractors, heavy equipment and stolen identities.
Jimmie Wayne Goodson, 54, was convicted in multiple felony cases following a lengthy investigation involving the Buda Police Department, the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force and numerous law enforcement agencies across Texas.
The investigation began in November 2025 after officers with the Buda Police Department responded to a local recreational vehicle dealership where an employee reported an RV had been purchased using fraudulent information. The dealership did not realize it had been victimized until after Goodson had driven away with the vehicle.
As detectives investigated the case, they discovered the incident was only one part of a much larger criminal operation.
According to investigators, Goodson created counterfeit checks and used fraudulent identification documents, including a fake Texas Department of State Health Services Medical Officer badge, a fraudulent driver's license and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs identification card, to convince businesses he was a legitimate customer while obtaining financing and purchasing expensive recreational vehicles, trailers and equipment.
Authorities believe the scheme victimized businesses and individuals in Seattle, Snohomish and Tacoma, Washington, as well as Lake Jackson, Kingsland, Buda, Burnet, Georgetown, Marble Falls, Del Rio and several other Texas communities.
The investigation eventually connected Buda detectives with the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force, which had already been investigating a sophisticated trailer theft and fraud operation believed responsible for stealing more than $150,000 worth of recreational trailers, utility trailers and equipment across Central Texas. Investigators also determined the suspects fraudulently obtained well over $100,000 in credit to finance additional purchases.
The multi-agency investigation ultimately stretched across Burnet, Williamson, Blanco, Limestone, Brazoria, Llano and Hays counties and included confirmed criminal activity extending into Washington and Idaho.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from multiple businesses and identified a pickup truck used during several of the fraudulent purchases. Detectives documented unique characteristics of the vehicle before using an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system to track its movements across numerous counties.
The ALPR data connected multiple criminal investigations, allowing detectives to recover stolen trailers and equipment worth more than $100,000 and identify Goodson and accomplice Jorge Ramirez as the suspects.
Investigators said Goodson repeatedly changed his appearance and fabricated professional credentials to gain the trust of victims.
In one October 2025 incident, Goodson arrived at a Burnet RV dealership wearing medical scrubs while claiming to be both a physician and a law enforcement officer. Investigators said he presented a badge before using a counterfeit check to purchase an RV.
The following month, Blanco County investigators began investigating Goodson after an elderly victim sold him a tractor through a social media marketplace. Authorities said Goodson paid with a fraudulent check before leaving with the equipment. Because the victim was over the age of 65, the criminal charges were enhanced.
Also in November 2025, investigators say Goodson used another forged cashier's check to purchase a commercial mower valued at nearly $5,000 from a Marble Falls business. He also used a fraudulent agricultural exemption number to avoid paying sales tax. Authorities said he later used another fake cashier's check to purchase approximately $2,500 worth of furniture from another Marble Falls business.
The scheme came to an end on Dec. 27, 2025, when Goodson attempted to purchase another RV from a dealership in Kyle using a counterfeit cashier's check. This time, the salesperson immediately contacted law enforcement.
Responding Kyle police officers discovered Goodson was carrying identifying information belonging to an elderly victim. He was arrested on outstanding felony warrants from Burnet County and Marble Falls and additionally charged with Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information by the Kyle Police Department.
After Goodson was booked into the Hays County Jail, detectives with the Buda Police Department served him with additional arrest warrants stemming from their investigation.
Under the supervision of Hays County prosecutor Thomas Stevenson, Goodson was convicted in Hays County of Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information of an Elderly Person, Theft of Property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, Forgery of a Financial Instrument, False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information involving fewer than five items belonging to an elderly victim.
Additional convictions in Burnet and Blanco counties included Forgery of a Financial Instrument, Forgery of a Financial Instrument Involving an Elderly Victim, Theft of Property from an Elderly Person and Theft of Property with enhanced penalties.
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd praised the collaboration among agencies that ultimately dismantled the fraud operation.
"This case is another example of our officers going above and beyond in a collaborative effort to both hold criminals accountable and bring peace of mind to the victims," Kidd said. "This great work, from the streets to the courthouse, will ensure this person will not victimize more businesses and individuals in our community."
Marble Falls Police Chief Trisha Ratliff said the investigation demonstrated the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies when investigating crimes that span multiple jurisdictions.
Authorities credited investigators from the Buda Police Department, Burnet County Sheriff's Office, Blanco County Sheriff's Office, Burnet Police Department, Kyle Police Department, Marble Falls Police Department, the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force and the Hays County District Attorney's Office for their roles in the investigation.
Although Goodson's combined sentences total 80 years in prison, the courts will determine whether the individual sentences will be served concurrently or consecutively.
Authorities said Goodson's accomplice, Jorge Ramirez, has also been arrested and is facing a 12-year prison sentence for theft.
