NEW YORK (AP) — Two Major League Baseball pitchers were indicted Sunday on charges that they took bribes to give sports bettors advance notice of the types of pitches they would throw and that they deliberately threw balls instead of strikes to ensure successful bets.
Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who both pitched for the Cleveland Guardians, have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July while Major League Baseball investigated unusually high in-game gambling activity when they pitched.
Clase, 27, and Ortiz, 26, were both charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sports competitions by bribery and money laundering conspiracy. The top charges carry a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Ortiz was arrested by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport on Sunday morning. He is expected to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday.
Major League Baseball said it contacted federal law enforcement when it began investigating the unusual gambling activities and has “fully cooperated” with authorities. “We are aware of today’s charges and arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.
In a statement, the Guardians said: “We are aware of the recent law enforcement actions. We will continue to cooperate fully with both law enforcement authorities and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.”
An attorney for Ortiz declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press, and an attorney for Clase did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
