Lufkin Man Indicted on Wire Fraud Charges, FBI Seeking Victims
Authorities are seeking potential victims of Matthew Jess Thrash, a Texas man charged with wire fraud and money laundering for carrying out deceitful schemes over a 12-year period. Thrash, facing formal charges as of November 6, is accused of tricking individuals into bogus investment opportunities.
From 2012 to 2024, Thrash allegedly posed as a prominent businessman and sports agent, even claiming to represent players in Major League Baseball. He used this false persona to convince unsuspecting victims to invest in ventures like a sports memorabilia store at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas and a fictional cannabis retailer, leading them to wire funds ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
Aside from these scams, Thrash is also under investigation for PPP loan fraud. Authorities are specifically searching for more victims in regions such as Las Vegas, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Tampa, and throughout Texas who may have been swindled by Thrash’s fraudulent activities.
The FBI’s Lufkin Resident Agency is working to identify all victims by urging anyone who fell victim to come forward and provide details about their investment, including the amount, timeframe, and repayment plan promised to them. If you have any information or believe you may have been a victim of Thrash’s schemes, reach out to your local FBI field office.
As investigations continue, federal authorities are committed to serving justice and ensuring accountability for all affected parties who were caught in the web of Matthew Jess Thrash’s fraudulent activities.
