Man who used underwater scooter in lake to try to evade arrest pleads guilty

ABC News - May 16th, 2025
Open on ABC News

Matthew Piercey, a 48-year-old from Shasta County, California, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, money laundering, and witness tampering related to a $35 million investment scheme. Between 2015 and 2020, Piercey solicited funds from investors, using the money for personal and business expenses. Despite returning about $8.8 million to investors, the scheme unraveled when federal agents attempted to arrest him in November 2020. In a dramatic escape attempt, Piercey led officers on a car chase and then dived into Lake Shasta using a Yamaha 350LI underwater scooter, staying underwater for 20 minutes before being apprehended.

The story highlights Piercey's elaborate efforts to conceal his fraud, including attempts to tamper with witnesses and dispose of evidence using coded jail communications. Found in a U-Haul locker at his direction were disguises and cash in Swiss francs. His sentencing is set for September 4, where he faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge. The case underscores the lengths some individuals will go to avoid capture and the challenges law enforcement faces in such high-stakes financial crimes.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and factual account of Matthew Piercey's criminal activities and subsequent arrest. Its strengths lie in its accuracy, clarity, and public interest, as it effectively reports on a significant financial fraud case with clear language and relevant details. However, the story could benefit from greater balance and transparency, particularly by including perspectives from the defense or legal experts and specifying the sources of information. While the article is timely and has the potential to engage readers, its impact on broader societal change or policy discussions may be limited without additional context or expert analysis. Overall, the story is a well-structured and informative piece that successfully informs readers about the key events and legal proceedings surrounding the case.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story exhibits a high level of factual accuracy, as the main claims align well with corroborated sources. For instance, the identity of Matthew Piercey, his charges, and the details of his fraudulent activities are consistent with official statements from federal prosecutors. The description of his escape attempt using an underwater scooter is also supported by multiple sources, confirming the story's truthfulness and precision. However, minor details such as the exact duration Piercey stayed underwater could vary slightly between sources, which is a common occurrence in news reporting.

7
Balance

The article presents a factual recount of events related to Matthew Piercey's criminal activities and subsequent arrest. However, it primarily focuses on the prosecution's perspective, lacking insights or statements from Piercey or his defense team. While the story effectively conveys the legal proceedings and charges, it could benefit from a more balanced viewpoint by including potential defense arguments or perspectives from legal experts. The absence of these perspectives may lead to an impression of bias towards the prosecution's narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the facts of the case. The chronological presentation of events, from the fraud activities to the arrest, aids in reader comprehension. The use of specific details, such as the type of underwater scooter and the amount of money involved, enhances clarity. However, the story could benefit from a brief explanation of legal terms like 'witness tampering' for readers unfamiliar with legal jargon.

8
Source quality

The story relies on credible sources, such as statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal prosecutors. These sources are authoritative and provide a solid foundation for the article's claims. However, the article does not specify additional sources or direct quotes from individuals involved in the case, such as law enforcement officers or legal representatives. While the reliance on official statements enhances reliability, the inclusion of a broader range of sources could further strengthen the story's credibility.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the events surrounding Piercey's arrest and charges, but it lacks transparency in terms of source attribution. While it mentions federal prosecutors and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, it does not provide direct quotes or detailed explanations of how information was obtained. Additionally, the story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that may have influenced the reporting. Greater transparency in these areas could enhance the story's credibility and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.fraud-magazine.com/article.aspx?id=4295012554
  2. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aTrGEJirmV8
  3. https://wnyt.com/us-news/california-man-who-used-underwater-scooter-in-lake-to-try-to-evade-arrest-pleads-guilty-to-fraud/
  4. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/fbi-suspect-escape-lake-california-b1724464.html
  5. https://www.police1.com/bizarre/articles/suspect-flees-into-lake-using-underwater-sea-scooter-JbR5hjQpjmEnorsN/