Massachusetts Man Arrested Under UIGEA

When 36-year-old Massachusetts resident Todd Lyons was arrested Thursday night he became one of the first charged under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) that was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2006. A 36-count indictment alleges that Lyons collected more than $22 million as an agent for Sports Offshore, an Internet gambling site licensed in the Caribbean nation of Antigua.

According to prosecutors, the illegal activity allegedly took place from 1997 until his arrest, and that Sports Offshore’s operation was actually based in the United States, despite the fact that they used an Internet site and toll-free telephone number registered in Antigua.

Lyons faces multiple charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and operating an illegal gambling business. Although Lyons was released on a $200,000 bond, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the most serious charges. He is due back in court on June 21. His attorney declined to comment.