Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz made his first federal court appearance in Boston on Monday, facing wire fraud and conspiracy charges in what prosecutors allege was an MLB betting scheme involving rigged pitches.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell granted Ortiz’s release on $500,000 bond, of which $50,000 must be secured within three weeks, as reported by The Athletic.
Ortiz has been ordered to surrender his passport, avoid all direct and indirect contact with anyone who could be viewed as a victim, witness or co-defendant in the case, and limit his travel to court appearances in New York, and meeting with his attorney Chris Georgalis in Cleveland.
In the unsealed indictment obtained by ESPN, Ortiz and fellow Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase were paid several thousand dollars by two unnamed gamblers in their home country of the Dominican Republic, who won at least $460,000 by wagering on pitch speed and outcomes.
Ortiz is accused of receiving bribes and kickbacks, totaling $12,000, in exchange for intentionally throwing pitches during his starts on June 15 and 27, which resulted in more than $60,000 in winnings.
Georgalis maintained his client’s innocence in a statement to The Athletic.
“He has never and would never improperly influence a game — not for anyone and not for anything,” the statement reads. “Luis is and always has been a fierce competitor. He has always given his best effort in every inning of every game. Those who have played with him know this. And the government’s investigation, including discussions with Luis’ teammates, supports this as well.”
Ortiz was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport on Sunday morning. Law enforcement officials believe Clase is not in the United States.
Both have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. If convicted, they face up to 65 years in prison.