The FBI is calling for public assistance in identifying victims of 49-year-old Matthew Jess Thrash, a Lufkin resident accused of orchestrating fraudulent investment schemes over a 12-year period, targeting individuals nationwide. Thrash has been indicted in the Eastern District of Texas on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.
According to federal investigators, Thrash allegedly ran schemes involving a fake sports management agency, a nonexistent sports memorabilia store, and fraudulent stock sales in cannabis dispensaries. His activities reportedly spanned Texas, Las Vegas, Shreveport, and Tampa from 2012 to 2024.
Fake Sports Management Schemes
Thrash falsely claimed to be a sports agent for professional athletes, including those in Major League Baseball (MLB). Despite his assertions, records confirm Thrash was not a certified MLB agent. He established three sports management businesses under false pretenses:
- Thrash Sports Management (TSM), created in 2010, listed an address in Lufkin.
- Thrash and Henderson Sports Management LLC, founded in 2013 using another individual’s name without their consent, registered in Beaumont.
- Harvey & Thrash Sports LLC, established in 2018, with Thrash listed as a manager and agent, registered in Lufkin.
Fraudulent Sports Memorabilia Store
Thrash claimed ownership of a sports memorabilia store at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, supposedly selling Pete Rose memorabilia. He solicited funds from investors under the false pretense that Rose was directly involved in the business. Investigators revealed Thrash never operated such a store nor had any association with Pete Rose.
Cannabis Dispensary Investment Scams
Thrash also allegedly claimed ownership in cannabis dispensaries in Las Vegas, including Pisos, Pisos 2, Toke, Toke Lounge, and Cannabis 7. He presented investors with fake stock purchase agreements, floorplans, and promotional videos, leading them to believe they were buying shares in dispensaries. Authorities confirmed Thrash had no business ties with the legitimate dispensary owners.
Charges and Investigation
Thrash faces 13 counts of wire fraud and money laundering. Documents reveal he obtained at least $120,000 from victims for his fake sports management ventures, repaying some investors to cover up his fraudulent activities.
The full extent of Thrash's schemes is still under investigation. The FBI is urging potential victims to submit information through a form on their website.
“Mr. Thrash presented himself as a successful businessman with lucrative investment opportunities, using various schemes to defraud others,” said P. J. O’Brien, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Dallas. “We encourage anyone who invested with him to come forward to receive assistance and ensure he is held accountable.”
