Louisiana Prisoner Accused of Operating Illegal Gambling Ring

An inmate at a Louisiana prison is facing charges following accusations that he’s running a “large-scale” illegal sports betting outfit from within the prison walls. 

Broderick Scott, 48, was incarcerated at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center. The charges followed an 18-month investigation at the prison and others in the state. 

This comes as a father/son duo in Michigan and more than a dozen people in Florida arrested for operating illegal gambling rings. 

Louisiana State Police Comments 

“Evidence revealed that Scott operated the scheme from within the correctional facility, utilizing contraband smuggled into the facility to facilitate and sustain his activities,” the state police said in a statement last Friday. 

Scott was reassigned to the Iberville Parish Jail. 

The official charges include gambling and the unlawful establishment of accounts on social networking sites.

Over $30k in Transactions

Scott is a native of Addis, Louisiana. Police said he’s been linked to more than $30,000 in transactions associated with the multiperson sports betting operation.

Police haven’t released details such as what Scott was already in prison for or how much money had been wagered in the illegal ring. 

The investigation began in 2023 when the state police received and looked into reports of contraband smuggling. 

Louisiana State Police Issues Warning in Statement

After announcing the arrest of Scott, the police said 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.”

They also said that it's common for inmates to convince friends or relatives to send them money for things like the commissary. 

“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 inmates is through JPay or other methods mentioned on the Louisiana Department of Corrections site. 

“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 state police said.