Former MLB Player Convicted in Federal Illegal Betting Investigation

A former Major League Baseball star has been found guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements in connection with a federal investigation into illegal sports gambling. The Department of Justice announced the verdict on Friday, February 6.

The player, who spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians during his MLB career, was convicted of lying to federal investigators about his relationship with an illegal bookmaking operation.

According to court documents, the former athlete began placing bets through an unlicensed bookie in May 2019 and quickly accumulated significant losses. Within just two months, he owed nearly $283,000 in gambling debts. The operation functioned as an informal brokerage, with bettors sometimes wiring money directly to one another to settle accounts.

The investigation revealed a pattern of escalating behavior. Between July and September 2019 alone, the player placed 899 bets, including wagers made at MLB ballparks and around game times. His total debt to the operation eventually exceeded $1 million.

When questioned by federal authorities in 2022, the player denied having discussions about gambling with a key associate in the operation, a claim investigators determined was false based on hundreds of documented communications. He also allegedly made false statements on a government immigration form regarding his gambling activities.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, with potential penalties including up to 10 years for obstruction of justice and five years for the false statement charges.