An inmate at the Elyan Hunt Correctional Center, one B.S., 48, was booked on charges of having run a sprawling gambling ring not just at the prison where he was incarcerated, but also across other state prisons, according to a statement released by the Louisiana State Police.  

Inmate Tied to a Sprawling Gambling Ring in Louisiana Prisons

“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 statement read.

He has been charged with gambling and unlawful establishment of accounts on social networking websites by inmates, more official information transpired. The gambling ring is no trifling matter either, as B.S. is said to have handled more than 30,000 transactions for inmates, pointing to a gigantic network that has been going under prisons’ very noses.

It is not yet clear how much money has been wagered using the ring, but the amounts cannot be small either. Upon releasing the news of the arrest, the police also issued a warning to citizens that sending money through applications to inmates was illegal and could lead to further scrutiny.

The police also argued that friends and family are likely targets of further investigation, as inmates have very little reason to request money through such applications.

“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 police added.

The Louisiana State Police has vowed to ensure that the integrity and security of the state’s correctional facilities is fully maintained.

Inmates Requesting Money from Family and Friends Is a Red Flag

The investigation began in 2023 and culminated with B.S.’s arrest and charging. The whole process took 18 months of investigating suspicious transactions and activity across multiple state correctional facilities.

In the meantime, B.S. has been moved to the Iberville Parish Jail in a bid to sever his alleged involvement in the activities and dismantle the gambling ring. No other inmates have so far been named by the police as co-defendants and potential suspects in the matter.