Former NBA player Jontay Porter pleads guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in connection to gambling case

Former NBA player Jontay Porter has pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and was released on a $250,000 bond in connection to an alleged betting scheme. The estimated sentencing guidelines for Porter are 41-51 months, with a maximum sentence of 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy. Porter's guilty plea is linked to a gambling case involving four other individuals, one of whom was accused of defrauding a sports betting company by using inside information from an NBA player to place successful bets. Porter, who previously played for the Toronto Raptors before being banned from the NBA for violating gambling rules, is scheduled for sentencing on December 18 in the Eastern District of New York. Court records indicate that Porter is cooperating with authorities while receiving treatment for a gambling addiction. The case against Porter is part of an ongoing prosecution of four other men who have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The NBA's investigation revealed that Porter provided confidential information to bettors about his health, exited games due to bets placed on his performance, and even wagered on games in which he did not play. Porter admitted to withdrawing early from games to help co-conspirators win bets on his performance, citing a desire to alleviate his significant gambling debts. The judge overseeing Porter's case will have the discretion to sentence him to anywhere from no time to 20 years in prison, along with potential fines and restitution. Porter's attorney, Jeff Jensen, has stated that Porter was struggling with a gambling addiction and has undergone inpatient rehab for the issue. Despite the allegations and guilty plea, Porter and his lawyer have refrained from providing further comments to the media. The case against Porter and the four other men highlights the serious consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities related to sports betting and the potential legal ramifications for those involved in such schemes.