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Dallas' FBI seeks victims of money laundering and investment fraud
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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—The Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Dallas Field Office is seeking potential victims of an investment fraud scheme involving a fake sports management company, a fake sports memorabilia store, and the fraudulent sale of stock in cannabis dispensaries.
The FBI states Matthew 'Matt' Jess Thrase was recently indicted in East Texas and charged with federal violations of wire fraud and money laundering. They believe he targeted individuals between 2012 and 2024 through several investment schemes.
According to the indictment, Thrash was a Lufkin, Texas, and Angelia County, Texas, resident.
"On numerous occasions, Thrash presented himself as a sports management agent representing professional and semi-professional athletes. At times, he falsely claimed to be a sports agent for the Major League Baseball Association."
The indictment lists numerous businesses Thrash established:
- On or about September 10, 2010, Thrash established Thrash Sports Management (“TSM”) as a Limited Liability Company through the Texas Secretary of State. Thrash was listed as a manager, principal, and registered agent for TSM.
- On or about July 12, 2013, Thrash established Thrash and Henderson Sports Management LLC as a Limited Liability Company through the Texas Secretary of State. Thrash and Henderson Sports Management showed a registered address in Beaumont, Texas, in the Eastern District of Texas. Thrash was listed as a manager and registered agent.
- On or about December 7, 2018, Thrash established Harvey & Thrash Sports LLC as a Limited Liability Company through the Texas Secretary of State.
- Thrash claimed ownership of the "Pete Rose Memorabilia Store" Scheme in Las Vegas.
- Thrash claimed ownership interest in cannabis dispensaries in Las Vegas. The dispensaries' names included Pisos, Pisos 2, Toke (or “Toke Lounge”), and Cannabis 7.
In Louisiana, it is believed that Thrash targeted individuals in Shreveport and Lake Charles. He is also believed to have victims in other states.
They encourage victims of Thrash or those with information relevant to the investigation to complete and submit information HERE.
“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.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates.
Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and state law. They note that responses are voluntary but may be helpful in the federal investigation and identify you as a potential victim. The FBI may contact individuals and ask for additional information based on the responses.
For the full indictment with the businesses listed: