A Central Valley crops industry insider has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a multi-year scheme that stole nearly $5 million worth of canola from international food processors.
Shawn Sawa, 49, formerly of Clovis, received an 18-month prison sentence after admitting to participating in a fraud operation that diverted canola shipments between 2015 and 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
How the Scheme Operated
Investigators found that Sawa worked with Richard Best, owner of the now-defunct Richard Best Transfer Inc. (RBT), a train-to-truck transloading company responsible for moving bulk commodities.
Food processors shipped large volumes of canola to RBT for redistribution. Instead of transferring full loads, Sawa and Best removed and sold significant portions of the product, ultimately stealing approximately $4.8 million worth of canola.
According to court documents:
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Sawa initially accepted kickbacks to direct more canola shipments through RBT.
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The pair expanded this into a full theft operation, selling the diverted canola through a Texas contact.
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Proceeds were moved through a series of wire transfers, including an account Sawa opened in his spouse’s name.
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RBT sent fraudulent inventory reports to food processors to hide the missing volumes.
The two used the illegal profits to purchase homes, vehicles, travel, specialty classes, and to cover RBT’s operating costs.
Concealment Attempts and Investigation
Shortly before the scheme was uncovered, Best gave Sawa an old cellphone from his late mother, believing their communications were being monitored on company devices. They used the phone to continue coordinating the theft.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and federal prosecutors handled the case.
Legal Proceedings Still Underway
Best pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2025—three weeks before his scheduled trial date. He is set to be sentenced on March 2, 2026, and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, although the final sentence will depend on federal guidelines and the court’s discretion.
Supply Chain Integrity Remains a Key Concern
While this case involved a specific set of actors, it highlights ongoing vulnerabilities within the crop handling and transloading sectors. Bulk commodity movements rely on accurate reporting, secure logistics, and transparent recordkeeping. Any breakdown in these areas increases risk for processors, shippers, and customers throughout the agricultural supply chain.
