The following is a release from Louisiana State Police:

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – In May 2023, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police – Gaming Enforcement Division (LSP-GED) received a complaint regarding contraband smuggling into multiple Louisiana Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities, including Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (EHCC).

Upon receiving the complaint, LSP with the assistance of Department of Public Safety and Corrections launched an extensive investigation, uncovering a large-scale illegal sports gambling operation led by 48-year-old Broderick Scott from Addis, a DOC inmate. Evidence revealed that Scott operated the scheme from within the correctional facility, utilizing contraband smuggled into the facility to facilitate and sustain his activities. Troopers identified over 30,000 transactions linked to the operation.

As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Scott. On December 18, 2024, he was booked into the Iberville Parish Jail on charges of LRS 14:90 – Gambling (felony) and LRS 14:405 – Unlawful establishment of accounts on Internet-based social networking websites by inmates (misdemeanor).

The Louisiana State Police remains committed to collaborating with state and local partners to maintain the integrity and security of Louisiana’s correctional facilities. Illegal activities within these facilities will be thoroughly investigated, and offenders will be held accountable. The public plays a vital role in supporting these efforts, as illegal activity puts everyone at risk.

DOC reminds the public that it is illegal to use third-party vendors or apps 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. The only legal way to send money to an offender is through JPay or the approved methods listed on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections website.

Suspicious or criminal activity connected to contraband smuggling or other illegal operations can be reported anonymously. Visit lsp.org and use the “Report Suspicious Activity” link, or call the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007 to provide information.

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