EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The FBI’s Lufkin Resident Agency in East Texas is seeking to identify potential victims of an investment fraud scheme across the state of Texas.
Matthew “Matt” Jess Thrash was recently indicted in the Eastern District of Texas, charged with federal violations of wire fraud and money laundering, the FBI’s Dallas office said.
The FBI believes he primarily targeted individuals between 2012 to 2024 through several fraudulent investment schemes. These schemes allegedly included establishing a fake sports management company, a fake sports memorabilia store, and the fraudulent sale of stock in cannabis dispensaries. It is believed that Thrash targeted individuals in Las Vegas; Shreveport, Louisiana; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Tampa, Florida; and throughout the state of Texas.
“Mr. Thrash used and employed various fraudulent schemes to obtain money from others. A critical component of his schemes was presenting himself as a successful businessman with lucrative investment opportunities. Individuals should not be embarrassed if they invested in one of his schemes. We encourage you to come forward so that you can receive assistance and help us hold him accountable in a court of law,” said FBI Dallas Acting Special Agent in Charge P. J. O’Brien.
If someone is believes they may have been a victim or has information relevant to this investigation but has not spoken to law enforcement in Lufkin, they can click here.
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