Staff Report
BUDA — After committing several felonies across Central Texas and reaching victims across the nation, 54-year-old Jimmie Wayne Goodson of San Marcos has been sentenced to a total of 80 years in prison for criminal cases related to fraud and theft.
In November 2025, Buda Police Department officers took a report from a local recreation vehicle (RV) supplier involving an individual purchasing an RV with fraudulent information. It was only fully realized by the business after the individual left the store with the RV.
A Buda PD investigation revealed Goodson was producing fake checks, using a fake driver’s license, as well as a Texas State Department of Health Medical Officer badge along with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs card to apply for and obtain credit for the purchase of recreational vehicles. Investigators with Buda PD learned of victims in Seattle, Washington, Lake Jackson, Texas, Snohomish, Washington, Tacoma, Washington and Kingsland, Texas.
The information leading to the Kingsland location connected Buda investigators to the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force.
A multi-month investigation already initiated by the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force led to the identification of suspects in a large-scale trailer theft and fraud operation. The task force suspected the individuals involved were responsible for more than $150,000 in stolen recreational trailers, utility trailers, and equipment across Central Texas. This is in addition to the estimated well over $100,000 in credit fraudulently obtained for the purchase of trailers and equipment.
The investigation spanned the counties of Burnet, Williamson, Blanco, Limestone, Brazoria and Llano, as well as the cities of Buda, Kyle, Burnet, Georgetown, Del Rio and Marble Falls. Thefts and recovery of stolen items occurred in the cities of Burnet, Marble Falls, Kingsland, Georgetown, Buda, Mexia and Blanco, along with confirmed out-of-state ties to Washington and Idaho.
After obtaining surveillance video of the truck involved in these transactions, investigators were able to document unique identifiers on the truck and search an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system. The vehicle was located on the system and showed hits in multiple counties. Once the vehicle was fully identified, investigators were able to connect multiple cases and recover stolen trailers and equipment valued at over $100,000. This technique also allowed the team to identify the suspects as Goodson and Jorge Ramirez. In turn, arrest warrants were obtained for the individuals.
In October 2025, officers with the Burnet Police Department responded to a local RV supplier for fraudulent purchase of an RV with a fake check. Goodson was dressed in medical scrubs claiming to be both a medical doctor and a law enforcement officer who showed them a badge. The case was then referred to the task force.
Then, in November 2025, deputies with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office took a report for an individual who sold a tractor to Goodson via social media and learned he used a fake check. The image taken of Goodson by the victim was sent to the task force, who identified Goodson. A coordinated investigation was conducted with assistance from surrounding agencies. As a result, investigators with the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office obtained four arrest warrants: two for Goodson and two for his accomplice, Jorge Ramirez. The charges were enhanced due to the victim being over the age of 65.
Also in November 2025, Goodson used a forged cashier’s check to purchase a mower from a local business in Marble Falls for almost $5,000. A fraudulent Agricultural Exemption Number was also used to avoid paying sales tax on the purchase. At another location, Goodson used a fraudulent cashier’s check to purchase almost $2,500 worth of furniture. Goodson was identified as the suspect through cooperation with the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force. Arrest warrants were then issued for Goodson. The charges were enhanced due to the age of the victim.
On Dec. 27, 2025, Goodson attempted to purchase an RV with a fake cashier’s check at an RV supplier in Kyle, Texas. The salesperson called law enforcement right away and officers with the Kyle Police Department discovered Goodson was in possession of several different pieces of identifying information for an elderly person. Kyle Police Department officers arrested Goodson for outstanding warrants from Burnet County and Marble Falls Police Department as well as their charge of being in possession of identifying information of another. After being booked into the Hays County jail, he was served with the Buda PD arrest warrants.
Under the supervision of Hays County Prosecutor Thomas Stevenson, Goodson was indicted by a grand jury and soon convicted for the following charges in Hays County:
- Fraud use/possession of identifying information of elderly, F3 (Kyle PD)
- Theft of property $30,000-$150,000 (Buda PD), four years
- Forgery of a financial instrument (Buda PD), four years
- False statement to obtain property or credit $30,000-$150,000, (Buda PD), four years
- Fraud use/possession of identifying information <5 items of elderly (Buda PD), four years
The other charges outside of Hays County include:
- Forgery of a financial instrument enhanced (Burnet County), 15 years
- Forgery of a financial instrument involving elderly (Burnet County), 15 years
- Theft of property from elderly (Burnet County), 15 years
- Theft of property enhanced (Blanco County), 15 years
“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,” Buda PD Chief Bo Kidd. “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 Department Chief of Police Trisha Ratliff said: “This investigation is a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. Complex fraud investigations often cross jurisdictional lines, making collaboration essential. Thanks to the dedication, professionalism and seamless coordination of all agencies involved, the responsible individual was held accountable and justice was obtained for the victims. We are grateful for the outstanding teamwork demonstrated throughout this investigation and we remain committed to protecting our community from those who seek to exploit others for personal gain."
While Goodson was sentenced to a total of 80 years, it is up to each judicial body to have the time served either concurrently or consecutively.
Goodson’s accomplice has been arrested and is facing a 12-year sentence for theft.
