Las Vegas Gambler Admits to Role in Sports Fixing Scheme

Shane Hennen, a Las Vegas resident known by the nickname “Sugar Shane,” has pleaded guilty to federal charges tied to a major sports fixing conspiracy. Court records and a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia revealed that Hennen, 41, was deeply involved in fixing both NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games, as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering associated with NBA prop bets.

Details of the Basketball Fixing Scheme

According to federal prosecutors, Hennen’s role included placing large bets and directing others to wager on games where players had been bribed to underperform. The court documents describe a widespread operation that began in September 2022, targeting Chinese basketball matches and NCAA men’s Division I basketball between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

Fixers, including Hennen, bribed athletes in more than 17 NCAA Division I men’s teams. The operation involved at least 39 players and sought to manipulate outcomes in over 29 games. Most fixes aimed to win bets against the spread, using point shaving tactics where bribed players adjusted their level of play to affect final or halftime scores.

NBA Prop Bets and Bribery Allegations

The New York aspect of the case focused on NBA prop bets, specifically those involving former players Terry Rozier and Damon Jones. Hennen conspired with others to use confidential team information to inform their bets, and direct wagers through both online sportsbooks and retail outlets without revealing that the bets were made with inside knowledge. This part of the probe grew out of a broader investigation led by the New York FBI office, which had previously spotlighted illegal poker games with alleged connections to the Lucchese crime family and the involvement of several NBA players.

The probe drew additional attention last year, when Damon Jones was arrested in Las Vegas. Although NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was among the 31 people arrested, prosecutors clarified he was not implicated in game fixing.

Impact of the Illegal Gambling Operation

The illegal gambling and fixing schemes resulted in over $3 million in bets and caused an estimated $1.1 million in financial losses to sportsbooks nationwide, according to statements made in court and corroborated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Hennen has admitted to “bribery in sporting contests,” conspiracy to commit wire fraud, as well as three counts of wire fraud arising from the lengthy basketball fixing and money laundering efforts.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Hennen entered his plea in federal court in Philadelphia before U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro. In the Philadelphia case, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 85 years in prison, three years of supervised release, substantial fines, and the requirement to pay restitution. For the New York charges, sentencing could carry up to 40 years in prison, along with three years of supervised release, a fine, and additional restitution.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 27 in Philadelphia.

Agencies and Prosecutors Involved

The Philadelphia game fixing case was investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia office with support from FBI New York and federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York. The NBA betting and money laundering allegations were handled by FBI New York and the New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis D. Lappen and Jerome M. Maiatico are prosecuting the case.

Source: 8newsnow.com.