Fixer in lucrative NCAA basketball betting scheme sentenced to 6 years in prison

Jalen Smith, a 30-year-old man from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for his involvement in a point-fixing scheme in NCAA basketball games. The scheme, which took place during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 NCAA Division I basketball seasons, involved fixing nearly 30 games and resulted in fraudulent wagers totaling over $3 million.

Smith, who pleaded guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges, played a central role in recruiting players with the promise of a big payment for underperforming in games. The scheme targeted players considered underdogs, offering them bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game. Smith also pleaded guilty to a separate felony gun possession charge and will have to pay $1.1 million in restitution.

The sentencing sends a clear message that those who exploit athletes for personal gain will be held accountable, according to the FBI's special agent in charge for the Philadelphia office.

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