College Basketball Fixer Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

Jalon Smith, 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to one count each of bribery in sporting contests, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Smith received six years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, restitution of $1.1 million, and forfeiture of $75,000.

Smith’s involvement in the scheme came to light in January after investigators alleged he and several other accomplices “fixed and attempted to fix” over 29 games. The operation began with fixing games in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) before moving on to NCAA men’s basketball games.

Smith helped recruit and bribe players to underperform and help ensure their team failed to cover the spread in games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In total, the bribery and point-shaving scheme involved more than 39 players on over 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams. Prosecutors allege those involved fixed and attempted to fix more than 29 NCAA games, resulting in more than $3 million in fraudulent wagers and more than $1.1 million in financial losses to sportsbooks across the country.