Ex-Sports Radio Host Marty Tirrell Faces New Fraud Indictment
Marty Tirrell, a former sports radio host, is facing new federal wire fraud charges after a series of legal troubles. Federal prosecutors have accused him of defrauding investors out of more than $1.5 million through a luxury ticket-flipping scheme. This comes after he previously served nearly three and a half years in federal prison for similar offenses.
Background on Marty Tirrell
At 65, Tirrell has a long history in the radio industry. He was once hailed as a pioneer of sports talk radio in Des Moines, Iowa. Tirrell first launched a sports talk program on 1490 AM in 1996. He later moved his show to 1460 KXnO but was let go in 2009 following a controversial incident.
Details of the Current Indictment
The latest indictment, filed on October 16, alleges that from February 2024 to January 2025, Tirrell solicited investments for purchasing high-demand sports and music event tickets. His pitch included major events like the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Taylor Swift concerts, and football playoff games.
Allegations of Fraudulent Activity
- Tirrell promised to repay investors their original amounts plus profits from ticket resales.
- Although he made initial repayments, these were funded by new investor money, not from ticket sales.
- Prosecutors claim he spent the funds on gambling and personal expenses instead of purchasing tickets.
Number of Charges and Potential Consequences
Tirrell currently faces 11 counts of wire fraud, each associated with a different transaction between him and various investors. The total loss for the four named victims exceeds $1.5 million. He was arrested again on October 20, 2023, while on supervised release from his previous sentence.
History of Legal Issues
Tirrell’s legal troubles date back to 1997, when he faced accusations of financial misconduct. His partnerships have often ended in litigation, highlighting a pattern of questionable business practices.
Current Status
As of now, Tirrell has not publicly commented on the latest allegations. His future is uncertain as he prepares to face the charges in federal court.
