Kansas Securities Commissioner Josh Ney announced charges against a Kansas man for selling bogus securities in what was called a “Hope Chest Entertainment Center.”

On January 10, criminal charges were filed in the District Court of Republic County, Kansas against Charles Ray Mathews, a 52 year-old resident of Belleville, Kansas.

The criminal complaint alleges that Mathews attempted to defraud at least 26 people.

The scam resulted in victim losses of over $25,000.

Matthews was charged with 14 felony counts for violations of the Kansas Uniform Securities Act. The counts included allegations of securities fraud, the selling of unregistered securities, acting as an unregistered agent, and employing an unregistered agent.

If you have been approached by this individual regarding a Hope Chest Entertainment Center, please contact the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner at 785-296-3307.