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The Florida Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) has wrapped up a long-term investigation into fraudulent business practices involving Big O Boats...
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OKEECHOBEE — The Florida Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) has wrapped up a long-term investigation into fraudulent business practices involving Big O Boats, LLC, based in Sebring, Highlands County.
OALE agents launched an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from victims who reported paying for custom-built boats that were never completed or delivered. Victims include first responders and retirees, who have waited years for their vessels while continuing to face financial burdens, including insurance, loan payments, and taxes. The estimated financial loss in this case is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
On April 28, OALE agents executed search warrants at two Sebring locations and one related business in Okeechobee County. During the operation, the owner of Big O Boats, James Terrence “Terry” McKay Jr., was taken into custody and transported to the Highlands County Jail. McKay is charged with one count of Organized Fraud and three counts of Grand Theft.
OALE believes there may be additional victims of this fraudulent activity. If you believe you were impacted by this case, please contact OALE Investigations at their email: CISAnalyst@fdacs.gov.
