Betting Scheme Linked to Jontay Porter Results in Another Arrest
The number of people detained in connection to the manipulation of games by the former Toronto Raptors center, Jontay Porter, continues to grow.
While the player himself is waiting for his sentencing hearing, four people have been detained and two of them have already pleaded guilty. Now, another person suspected of participating in an illegal betting scheme involving Porter was detained recently.
39-Year-Old Betting Scheme Suspect Arrested in Las Vegas
The person in question was recently detained at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, after attempting to fly off to Colombia. A report released by ESPN suggests that the person in question, a 39-year-old man identified with the initials S.H., was arrested by authorities on Sunday.
The publication cited a court filing by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York which revealed that the 39-year-old suspect was found to be in possession of a sum of nearly $10,000, as well as several cell phones. The suspect had previously purchased a one-way ticket to Colombia but was ultimately apprehended by law enforcement when attempting to board the plane.
Reportedly, the suspect was recognized as a flight risk, considering his criminal background. The 39-year-old suspect has previously faced charges for distribution of drugs and aggravated assault. In light of the man’s criminal history and potential flight risk, law enforcement considered it would be best for him to be detained.
Per the order for the man’s arrest, prosecutors had “substantial evidence that the defendant has conducted or caused to be conducted illicit financial transactions and fraudulent sports wagers totaling millions of dollars.” The man, who is suspected of being involved in illegal betting and engaging with conspirators who kept in touch with Porter, is reportedly a well-known bettor and gambler in Las Vegas.
Unclear If the Bettor Collected Winnings on Porter’s Underperformance
According to prosecutors, the suspect was in contact with conspirators who reached out to Porter. This way, the 39-year-old was able to receive tips regarding several games. Subsequently, the man allegedly used this information to place wagers on Porter’s underperformance through proxies.
The four men who were previously charged in connection to the illegal betting involving Porter saw their wagers frozen by betting operators. This happened after those bets were flagged as suspicious, effectively preventing the bettors from cashing out.
It is unclear if the 39-year-old was able to collect winnings on his wagers. Also, while prosecutors claim that the man was involved in illegal wagers “totaling millions of dollars,” further details are yet to be released.
Porter’s Sentencing Hearing Is Scheduled for May
The former Raptors’ center’s downfall came early last year. Amid allegations about gambling and manipulation, Porter faced an investigation by the National Basketball Association (NBA). After the gambling probe, the professional player faced the toughest penalty from the association considering he was permanently banned. At the time, the NBA confirmed that the tough enforcement comes due to breaches of its gambling policies.
In July, Porter pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud. While his sentencing hearing was initially scheduled for mid-December, it was rescheduled for 2025. The former professional basketball player is expected to appear for his hearing on May 20, 2025.
