About this Video

• Video Title: The Florida Prison Real Estate Mogul | Matthew Cox | KONCRETE Podcast #43
• Channel: Danny Jones
• Speakers: Danny Jones, Matthew Cox
• Duration: 02:14:38

Introduction

This KONCRETE Podcast episode features a two-part interview with Matthew Cox, a real estate mogul who served time in prison for mortgage fraud and identity theft. The interview delves into Cox's arrest, legal proceedings, prison experience, and subsequent career writing memoirs about other inmates.

Key Takeaways

1. Cox's Arrest and Legal Battles: Cox was arrested for mortgage fraud and identity theft, facing a mountain of charges that could have resulted in a 250-year sentence. He pleaded guilty and initially faced a potential 54-year sentence.
2. Cooperation with Authorities: Cox cooperated with the FBI and Secret Service, providing information that led to the arrest and conviction of several co-defendants. This cooperation, however, did not initially result in a significant sentence reduction.
3. Prison Life and Real Estate Instruction: While in a medium-security prison, Cox taught a real estate course to fellow inmates. Later transferred to a low-security facility.
4. Memoir Writing and Film Adaptations: Cox wrote memoirs about several fellow inmates, including Ephraim Devereaux Lee (whose story was adapted into the movie War Dogs) and Doug Dodd (whose story became the book Generation Oxy). His experiences with these collaborations, including legal disputes and the adaptation process, are detailed.
5. Sentence Reduction: Through multiple legal maneuvers and additional cooperation, Cox ultimately received a 12-year sentence reduction.

The transcript doesn't explicitly state why Matthew Cox is called the "Florida Prison Real Estate Mogul," but it strongly implies it's because he was a successful real estate investor before his arrest and incarceration in Florida, and he continued his real estate education and instruction while in prison. The title is ironic, highlighting the contrast between his previous success and his criminal activities and subsequent imprisonment.