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Bookie in UTEP basketball betting scandal pleads guilty

Michael Karpus, a former UTEP student and resident of Tarzana, California, pleaded guilty in El Paso to a federal charge of Misprision of Felony on October 21, 2016, the FBI announced Friday.

Karpus had knowledge of an illegal gambling business, used an anonymous e-mail account to disguise its existence, and made “material misrepresentations” to federal law enforcement officials, the FBI said.

The former student received wagers from basketball players across state lines and unsuccessfully attempted to recruit a UTEP collegiate basketball player to participate in a point shaving scheme wherein players would agree not to cover the point spread in a given game.

Karpus is awaiting sentencing.

18 U.S. Code, section 4, defines Misprision of Felony as “Whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.”

Court documents state, that during his negotiation with prosecutors, Karpus signed the following acknowledgement: “I understand I have been accused of one or more offenses punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. I was advised in open court of my rights and the nature of the proposed charges against me. After receiving this advice, I waived my right to prosecution by indictment and consent to prosecution by information.”

On December 28, 2014, the Miners were going to face Western Illinois in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational.

UTEP Men’s Basketball Coach Tim Floyd received a tip members of his team could be involved in sports gambling. Before the game, Coach Floyd informed guards McKenzie Moore and Jalen Ragland they were both suspended indefinitely. The university promptly notified the FBI.

During the criminal investigation, all UTEP basketball players and staff were interviewed by the FBI. The FBI also executed multiple search warrants, including search warrants executed at residences in both the El Paso, Texas and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida areas.

Agents interviewed the entire team and learned Justin Crosgile was allegedly involved as well. Crosgile was also kicked off the team.

Federal officials said college athletes betting on a sporting event, especially his or her own sport, will likely find themselves on a slippery slope to gambling debt, blackmail, and point shaving.

“In a misguided effort to continue winning, generate revenue, and protect their reputation, some athletic programs and organizations attempt to cover up, downplay, or minimize allegations of criminal activity, whether that be illegal gambling, drug trafficking, or sexual abuse allegations,” El Paso FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist, said. “The El Paso community should be proud of the actions taken by UTEP officials in this particular case. Any prudent university should follow the example of UTEP.”

“UTEP exercised good judgment and left it to trained law enforcement professionals to determine the validity of the initial criminal allegation,” El Paso FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Keith A. Byers said. “UTEP’s decision to promptly notify the FBI very well could have prevented this situation from escalating into a point shaving scandal versus being an illegal gambling scheme.”

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