Stock photo.| Photo by SIphotography/iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Federal authorities allege that a Las Vegas attorney who was shot and wounded before his arrest by FBI agents last week headed a $300 million Ponzi scheme that bilked investors from Nevada, Utah and California.
Matthew Wade Beasley, 49, made an initial appearance by videoconference Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault on a federal officer following a standoff Thursday at his home, prosecutors and his defense attorney said.
Beasley’s attorney, Robert Draskovich, said Wednesday his client remained in federal custody and is recovering from shoulder and chest wounds. He said agents went to his house as part of an investigation alleging that Beasley enlisted investors in a company that offered short-term loans to clients.
“Right now, he’s facing a single charge,” Draskovich said. “But based on the government’s representations, he’ll likely face additional charges.” Draskovich said Beasley will fight additional charges if they are filed.
Investigators said the scheme involved people being settlement contracts related to…
