AUSTIN, Texas — Law enforcement is searching for victims of a man who was indicted on charges of wire fraud and money laundering in East Texas.
The FBI Lufkin Resident Agency wants to identify the victims of Matthew "Matt" Jess Thrash, who was indicted on 13 felony counts in federal court on Nov. 6. He is believed to be behind a large-scale wire fraud scheme against numerous people throughout Texas over a 12-year-period.
Victims were likely impacted by Thrash from 2012-2024 for various fraud investment schemes, the FBI said. Thrash would present himself to victims as a "successful businessman" who was offering "lucrative investment opportunities."
According to the indictment, Thrash would often present himself as a sports agent for numerous athletes, even claiming to be an agent representing players in the Major League Baseball Association.
Thrash also claimed to own a sports memorabilia store located in the Mandalay Bay Casino and a cannabis retailer in Las Vegas, enticing victims to provide him with funds under the guise that they were investing in the stores.
Thrash is also accused of committing PPP loan fraud.
Anyone affected by Thrash is encouraged to complete a form including the date of investment, amount of money involved, repayment plan and more.