The Iowa gambling probe is beginning to resemble an overreach of authority.
In an ongoing inquiry surrounding the suspensions and arrests of numerous collegiate athletes, these emails reveal new insights into the motives of at least one investigator. An Iowa law enforcement officer seems to have misplaced his ethical principles, prioritizing notoriety over adherence to regulations, emails disclosed to the Associated Press this week demonstrate.
Iowa gambling probe: “If they get suspended or lose their athletic grants, so be it”
Chris Adkins, a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, penned an email in 2023 stating that the Iowa gambling investigation “will garner attention for our division, not only in the public eye, but also in the view of the commissioner and even the legislature,” according to the Associated Press.
These emails present an alternative viewpoint on an inquiry that is starting to appear like an abuse of authority. The outcome is that numerous athletes from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University either face criminal charges in the state or have been suspended by the NCAA.
In certain instances, which may encompass former Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers, the investigation may have jeopardized players’ careers.
Investigators have their own agenda.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association has issued roughly 366 wagering prohibitions against Dekkers, including 26 associated with Iowa State University squads, including the gridiron squad. Around 297 of those wagers were placed prior to Dekkers reaching the age of 21. In Iowa, it is legal to place bets on sporting events if you are 21 years of age or older. It is also against NCAA regulations for student athletes to participate in gambling. Placing bets on your own team is considered the most severe infringement across all athletic disciplines.
The Associated Press obtained the most recent information regarding the Iowa gambling inquiry through a public records request. Emails demonstrate that investigators had their own objectives.
“If they are suspended or lose their scholarship, so be it,” Adkins penned in one email.
In another email, he wrote, “In a high-profile case like this, we can demonstrate our value to the authorities, while also sending a warning that we are monitoring these activities and hoping to prevent future occurrences.
“If we continue to investigate, and it is picked up by the media, individuals will start inquiring why criminal charges are not being pursued – we can utilize this platform to advocate for code modifications in the future.”
The Iowa gambling investigation commenced before the 2023 football season. Employees of the Criminal Investigation Division allegedly misused data and tools from geolocation company GeoComply.
Data tools misused in Iowa gambling inquiry.
Detectives, without securing a warrant, initially monitored gambling actions in dormitories and athletic centers in Iowa, and subsequently at Iowa State University.
GeoComply, a Vancouver-based geolocation services firm, possesses tools that can be employed to monitor gambling locations. According to the Washington Post, the company furnished a tool that enabled Iowa criminal investigators to monitor concentrated regions of gambling activity. At that time, there were no regulations governing how investigators could utilize the tool. Investigators may have infringed upon state law when using the tool.
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