DES MOINES, Iowa —

Former radio host Marty Tirrell, long known as the "Mouth of the Midwest," is facing 11 new federal wire fraud counts tied to what prosecutors call a more than $1.5 million ticket-flipping scheme.

The indictment alleges the conduct occurred between February 2024 and January 2025.

Prosecutors say Tirrell solicited money from investors to buy premium tickets to major sporting events and concerts, promising to resell them for a profit, repay principal and split gains.

Instead, the indictment alleges, he used funds on personal expenses, gambling and repaying other investors.

Metro resident Chris Shipley said he is not surprised by the new case.

"That's what I've said about Marty, is he is that good," Shipley said.

Shipley said the allegations mirror what his family ex

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