Illegal gambling operation broken up at Hunt Correctional Center

IBERVILLE PARISH — An extensive investigation by Louisiana State Police uncovered a large-scale illegal sports gambling operation with troopers identifying over 30,000 illegal transactions linked to the scheme. 

Department of Corrections inmate, 48-year-old Broderick Scott of Addis, is accused of operating the large-scale sports gambling operation from within the walls of the Hunt Correctional Center. 

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The initial investigation began in May 2023 when the Louisiana State Police Troopers Gaming Enforcement Division received a complaint regarding contraband being smuggled into multiple Louisiana Departent of Corrections (DOC) facilities, including at Hunt. 

After recieving that complaint, LSP with help from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, launched an investigation in which they say they uncovered a large-scale gambling ring.

Investigators claim Scott operated the scheme using contraband smuggled into the facility. 

Scott is facing multiple charges including gambling and unlawful establisment of accounts on internet-based social networking websites by inmates. 

LSP used the arrest as an opportunity to remind people with family members or friends inside of DOC facilities that is it illegal to use third-party vendors 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. Often times, friends and family members are convinced to send money through these methods while being led to believe that this money is going to be used for the purchase of commissary items. 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,” a press release states. 

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