Former LSU Star Kayshon Boutte Arrested for Illegal Online Gaming: A Comprehensive Overview
In a stunning turn of events, former Louisiana State University (LSU) football standout Kayshon Boutte was arrested on charges related to illegal online gaming, culminating a lengthy investigation conducted by the Louisiana State Police. This article delves into the details of Boutte’s alleged involvement in online betting, the extent of his winnings, and the potential consequences he faces.
The Allegations
Kayshon Boutte stands accused of creating an online betting account under a fictitious name while still underage, violating the legal gambling age of 21. Through this account, he allegedly placed numerous illegal bets, amassing winnings that surpassed $500,000. However, instead of withdrawing these funds, Boutte is said to have reinvested the majority of his winnings into additional bets, further fueling his involvement in illegal online gaming.
The Investigation
The investigation into Boutte’s online gambling activities was initiated in July 2023, triggered by a report from FanDuel Sportsbook, a prominent online betting platform. The report alerted Louisiana State Police to the possibility of a prohibited person, specifically a collegiate athlete, engaging in sports wagers. This prompted a thorough investigation that ultimately led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Boutte.
The Arrest and Charges
On Thursday, Kayshon Boutte surrendered himself to authorities, facing charges of Computer Fraud, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21. After completing the booking process, Boutte secured his release from the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison upon posting a $6,000 bond.
Modus Operandi
According to the arrest warrant, Boutte allegedly created a false identity, using the name Kayla Fortenberry, to establish an online gaming account. To fund this account, he allegedly used his mother’s credit card, further complicating the situation. The warrant also revealed that Boutte had placed 17 wagers on NCAA football, six of which were specifically on LSU football games. Disturbingly, one of these bets involved Boutte wagering on himself to score at least one touchdown and surpass 82.5 receiving yards in a game against Florida State on September 4, 2022.
LSU’s Response
In response to the allegations against Boutte, LSU issued a statement expressing their awareness of the situation and their full cooperation with the relevant authorities conducting the investigation. The university emphasized that it had no evidence of any other student-athletes engaging in similar prohibited activities and expressed gratitude for measures aimed at detecting and deterring sports gambling-related misconduct.
Potential Consequences
The charges against Kayshon Boutte carry significant implications for his personal and professional life. If convicted, he could face legal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Moreover, his reputation and standing within the football community could be severely tarnished, jeopardizing his future prospects in the sport.
Conclusion
The arrest of Kayshon Boutte serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from illegal online gambling, particularly for high-profile athletes. As investigations continue and the legal process unfolds, the full extent of Boutte’s involvement and the potential ramifications for his career remain uncertain. This case underscores the importance of adhering to gambling laws and regulations and the need for continued vigilance in addressing illegal activities in the realm of sports betting.