State Police Arrest Owner of Illegal Gambling Website
August 17, 2007
On August 15, 2007, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, with the assistance of authorities in the state of Washington, arrested three individuals in connection with the operation of an illegal gambling internet website.
The website www.Betcha.com, owned and operated by Nicholas G. Jenkins (W/M, 38 years old) of Seattle, WA, allowed gambling participants log onto the website and place bets electronically; an activity which is illegal in Louisiana. Jenkin's web company facilitated the betting process and controlled the intake and distribution of bet money between participants. In addition, the website charged fees for the placing of bets based on how much money was being wagered. Wagers were being accepted from participants in Louisiana as well as other parts of the country.
Jenkins was arrested after Troopers conducted a month-long investigation into the operations of the website with the assistance of the Washington State Gambling Commission. The Washington State Gambling Commission has also been investigating Jenkins for violating gambling laws in that state. The state commission had previously ordered Jenkins to cease his activities but Jenkins refused to comply with the order.
Also arrested were Peter M. Abrahamsen (W/M, 25 years old), the system administrator for Betcha.com and Josie M. Imlay (W/M, 24 years old), head technician for the website. Both men are also from Seattle, WA. All three suspects are currently being held in Seattle, WA and are awaiting an extradition hearing before they can be brought back to Louisiana to stand trial for violating Louisiana Revised Statute 14:90.3 Gambling by Computer. If convicted, the men could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. Under Louisiana State Law, it is illegal for anyone to operate, maintain, or administer an internet website for the purpose of conducting or facilitating gambling activities.
State Police Gaming detectives expect more arrests in this case as they continue their investigation.
On August 15, 2007, Troopers with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, with the assistance of authorities in the state of Washington, arrested three individuals in connection with the operation of an illegal gambling internet website.
The website www.Betcha.com, owned and operated by Nicholas G. Jenkins (W/M, 38 years old) of Seattle, WA, allowed gambling participants log onto the website and place bets electronically; an activity which is illegal in Louisiana. Jenkin's web company facilitated the betting process and controlled the intake and distribution of bet money between participants. In addition, the website charged fees for the placing of bets based on how much money was being wagered. Wagers were being accepted from participants in Louisiana as well as other parts of the country.
Jenkins was arrested after Troopers conducted a month-long investigation into the operations of the website with the assistance of the Washington State Gambling Commission. The Washington State Gambling Commission has also been investigating Jenkins for violating gambling laws in that state. The state commission had previously ordered Jenkins to cease his activities but Jenkins refused to comply with the order.
Also arrested were Peter M. Abrahamsen (W/M, 25 years old), the system administrator for Betcha.com and Josie M. Imlay (W/M, 24 years old), head technician for the website. Both men are also from Seattle, WA. All three suspects are currently being held in Seattle, WA and are awaiting an extradition hearing before they can be brought back to Louisiana to stand trial for violating Louisiana Revised Statute 14:90.3 Gambling by Computer. If convicted, the men could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. Under Louisiana State Law, it is illegal for anyone to operate, maintain, or administer an internet website for the purpose of conducting or facilitating gambling activities.
State Police Gaming detectives expect more arrests in this case as they continue their investigation.
