Patriots Kayshon Boutte arrested on online gambling charges
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Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was arrested on Thursday on charges related to online gambling.
Boutte is accused of creating a fraudulent online gaming account, when he was under 21, indicating that he was 21 years old or older and legally allowed to gamble.
According to WAFB in Louisiana, "he is also accused of illegally gambling, using that fraudulent account, to place thousands of different bets including some on LSU football. The wagers and payouts involved 'several hundred thousand dollars,' said one source familiar with the case."
WAFB also reports that investigators have alleged some of the illegal gaming took place while he was a player for the LSU Tigers, but also added that, "a source familiar with the case said Boutte never bet 'against himself' and his actions in LSU games. In other words, he is not accused of throwing a game." He reportedly made over 8,900 bets while underage with a fake account.
Lousiana State University issued the following statement to WAFB:
“In July 2023, LSU was made aware of allegations regarding a former student-athlete’s improper conduct related to sports gambling while enrolled at the University. Since then, we have fully cooperated with all relevant authorities involved in the investigation and will continue to do so. We have no evidence that any other student-athletes participated in these prohibited activities, and we are grateful for measures that detect and discourage sports gambling related misconduct.”
Boutte, now 21, turned himself in in Baton Rouge, LA on Thursday on charges of computer fraud, a felony, and a misdemeanor count of 'Gaming Prohibited for Persons under 21'. Arrangements were reportedly made for him to "be booked, post a $6,000 bond, and then immediately released from the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison."
Boutte was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft last April. He caught two passes for 19 yards as as rookie.
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