Overview
- Federal prosecutors charged the pair with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, and money laundering conspiracy.
- Luis Ortiz was arrested at Boston’s Logan Airport and is due for an initial court appearance Monday, while Emmanuel Clase is not currently in U.S. custody.
- Indictment allegations say Clase began coordinating rigged prop bets in May 2023 and Ortiz joined in June 2025, with pitches arranged to be balls or tied to specific speed and type.
- Prosecutors cite two June 2025 incidents in which Ortiz was paid $5,000 and later $7,000 to throw intentional balls, with matching payments to Clase; bettors won at least $400,000 tied to Clase and at least $60,000 tied to Ortiz, and Clase allegedly withdrew $50,000 and fronted $15,000 for wagers.
- MLB and the Cleveland Guardians say they referred the matter to federal authorities and are cooperating, the players remain on paid leave, and each faces potential sentences totaling up to 65 years if convicted.