(Des Moines, IA) -- A former Des Moines radio host, convicted of mail fraud, has been sentenced to three years in prison. Sixty-year-old Marty Tirrell pleaded guilty last month. He was accused of conducting sports ticket scams over a 10-year period. He'd also been accused of writing bad checks, stealing credit cards, and making fraudulent claims to banks.
Authorities say Tirrell marketed himself as a sports insider who had access to prime seating for sporting events. Evidence in court indicated Tirrell would give investors free tickets and access to VIP events, then convince them to give him money to buy discounted tickets, which he would sell at a profit. Tirrell promised to return their investments and split the profits. Investigators say instead, he took the money and paid off other victims, made unauthorized purchases or used the money to place online sports bets. Authorities say he also scammed people out of money by promising sports tickets, getting payment, but failing to produce the tickets.
Following his prison term, Tirrell has been ordered to serve three years of supervised release, as well as immediately
pay $200 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Tirrell was also ordered to pay over $1.4 million in restitution
to victims.
These matters were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ankeny Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
(Photo from WHO 13)