Former Radio Host Charged With $1.5M Fraud

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Thursday’s Des Moines Register carried the story about the former Des Moines, Iowa, sports radio host accused of defrauding people out of $1.5 million who has been indicted on federal charges. 

Martin “Marty” Tirrell —  who hosted popular talk shows for years, on stations including KXNO-AM/Des Moines — faces six criminal fraud charges tied to the alleged swindling of at least eight people out of $1.5 million in 2016 and 2017. Tirrell, 59, told the investors that he could buy sports tickets and resell them at a profit they could all share, the indictment alleges.

In addition, Tirrell was check-kiting and submitting false debit card fraud claims to get cash; is facing one count of mail fraud for allegedly sending four faulty checks totaling $355,522 to Burlington in November 2016; and facing two counts of wire fraud after one man sent him $15,000 on one occasion and $77,836.34 on another occasion.

One count of access device fraud has been filed, according to court records, because Tirrell used an investor’s American Express credit card to get over $1,000. He also faces one count of bank fraud for depositing a check for more than $13,800 into his bank account after already depositing the check elsewhere, the government says. On top of all that, he is also accused of submitting seven false fraud claims related to his debit card in late 2016.

An FBI agent took Tirrell into custody Wednesday. A hearing to determine whether he will be held pending trial is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Tirrell has been the defendant in numerous civil lawsuits that alleged similar scams.

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