Clase and Ortiz are accused of “wire fraud conspiracy, honest services conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sports competitions by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy, for their alleged role in a scheme to manipulate sports field betting thrown‘, the Ministry of Justice said. relayed by Zack Meisel of The Athletic. The indictment describes an alleged scheme in which the pitchers deliberately throw balls so that gamblers can bet on the throws being balls or strikes. comments Pass. According to the indictment, it started with Clase as early as May 2023.
Prosecutors’ allegations include a specific incident on June 15, when Ortiz was paid $5,000 for throwing an intentional ball, and Clase was paid $5,000 for facilitating it, Passan shares. Co-conspirators won at least $400,000 from fraudulent bets involving Clase and at least $60,000 from fraudulent bets involving Ortiz, prosecutors allege: passed on by Meisel. Clase and Ortiz face up to 65 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement authorities at the outset of the investigation and has cooperated fully throughout the process. We are aware of today’s charges and arrest, and our investigation is ongoing”, the League said in a statement to ESPN.
Photo courtesy of David Richard, Imagn Images
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