Posted on: December 24, 2024, 09:35h.
Last updated on: December 24, 2024, 10:02h.
An inmate at a Louisiana state prison was booked last week on accusations of running a “large-scale” illegal sports gambling operation from inside a correctional center.
Broderick Scott, 48, who was incarcerated at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, was charged last Wednesday following an 18-month investigation into illegal gambling at Hunt and several other state prisons, according to a Louisiana State Police (LSP) statement.
Evidence revealed that Scott operated the scheme from within the correctional facility, utilizing contraband smuggled into the facility to facilitate and sustain his activities,” last Friday’s statement added.
Scott was reassigned to the Iberville Parish Jail. Last week, he was charged with gambling and the unlawful establishment of accounts on social networking websites by inmates.
Convict Linked to 30K Transactions
Scott, who formerly resided in Addis, La., was linked to more than 30K transactions associated with the multiprison gambling operation, according to the LSP.
Authorities didn’t reveal how much money was wagered in the sports betting ring nor did they reveal the charges that initially sent Scott to prison.
The inquiry began in 2023 when the LSP looked into reports of contraband smuggling at multiple prisons in the state. Eventually, officers focused on Scott while he was incarcerated at Hunt, located in St. Gabriel, La.
Warning Issued
When announcing the arrest, the LSP stated that it’s “illegal to use third-party vendors or apps such as ‘Cash App’ to send money to inmates.”
There is no legitimate reason for an incarcerated individual to request that their family and friends place money on an app for purchases made while they are incarcerated.”
Many times, inmates try to convince friends or relatives to send them money suggesting it can be used to buy merchandise from a commissary, the statement says.
“In actuality, the transfers of money are used to support illegal activity, for instance to purchase drugs and/or contraband items or have them smuggled into prison,” the statement added.
The only legal way to send money to an inmate is via JPay or other methods listed on the Louisiana Department of Corrections website.
LSP said it will investigate illegal activity within state prisons.
“The Louisiana State Police remains committed to collaborating with state and local partners to maintain the integrity and security of Louisiana’s correctional facilities. Illegal activities within these facilities will be thoroughly investigated, and offenders will be held accountable,” the LSP said in the statement.
