PLANO, Texas — A Hopkins County woman has been indicted on federal charges tied to an alleged unlicensed dog breeding operation and fraud scheme, according to U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kristine Michelle Hicks, 51, of Cumby, is charged with acting as an animal dealer without a license and four counts of wire fraud. She appeared in federal court on March 23, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don D. Bush.
According to the indictment, the investigation began in December 2025 after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing Hicks tying a dog to a tree and shooting it. Authorities say the investigation uncovered that from June 2024 through December 2025, Hicks operated a dog breeding and sales business known as “Giant German Shepherds” without the required license.
Investigators allege animals at the facility were kept in poor conditions, with many requiring emergency care due to starvation, parasite-related illnesses, lack of veterinary care, and inadequate shelter.
Federal prosecutors also allege Hicks made false claims about the dogs’ parentage, health, and training to inflate sale prices, sometimes by thousands of dollars. According to the indictment, she represented some dogs as service-quality animals. In one case, a dog sold to a disabled veteran was allegedly aggressive and had to be muzzled for veterinary care.
Authorities further allege Hicks falsely claimed the dogs were American Kennel Club-registered and healthy, while some were mixed breeds with medical issues.
If convicted, Hicks faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Morris is prosecuting the case.
