Michael Lynd Sues Mark Johnson Over Ranch Loans
A lawsuit alleges that Mark M. Johnson Jr. owes more than $7.3 million in unpaid principal and interest from ranch investments.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Michael J. Lynd Jr. has filed a lawsuit in San Antonio District Court against former business partner Mark M. Johnson Jr. The legal action alleges breach of contract and fiduciary duty regarding unpaid loans for a jointly owned ranch.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on a series of promissory notes issued to cover ranch capital contributions between 2020 and 2022. These loans were initiated based on a longstanding friendship between the two families.
The debt includes 19 promissory notes that saw interest rates rise from 4% to 9% following the default. The dispute involves a 1,113-acre property in Frio County purchased for $5.2 million.
The players
Michael J. Lynd Jr.
He is the plaintiff who filed the lawsuit against his former business partner.
Mark M. Johnson Jr.
He is the defendant in the lawsuit and previously served as the 2015 King Antonio XCIII.
MMJ Ranch LLC
This is the business entity formed by the two men in 2019 to acquire and operate a ranch in Frio County.
The details
Lynd claims that he advanced funds to cover Johnson’s portion of operating expenses for their shared venture, MMJ Ranch LLC. The lawsuit seeks recovery of the mounting debt following the missed November 2023 repayment deadline.
Timeline
Mark M. Johnson Jr. served as King Antonio XCIII in 2015.
MMJ Ranch LLC was formed in 2019.
Lynd issued 19 promissory notes to Johnson between October 2020 and July 2022.
The initial promissory notes were due for repayment on November 1, 2023.
Lynd filed the lawsuit in District Court on October 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
This litigation highlights the risks inherent in private joint ventures that rely on personal relationships for capital structure. The breakdown of MMJ Ranch LLC reflects the common industry trend where legal action becomes a last resort for dissolving high-stakes partnerships.
The lawsuit underscores the importance of formalizing business agreements with clear repayment terms and legal documentation. Clients and partners should ensure that all capital contributions are documented to prevent future litigation over shared assets.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder that even long-standing personal friendships can encounter significant legal friction when business finances are involved. Maintaining clear boundaries and professional agreements is essential when managing large shared investments.
Further reading
Learn more about the local non-profit and community landscape in San Antonio Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Antonio Express-News.
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