Ex-FBI agent Scott F. Carpenter was sentenced to three months in custody yesterday following his conviction for gambling government cash that had been set aside for an undercover operation.
Beer and vodka-fueled blackjack session ends agent’s career
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Schiess, Carpenter had reported the misuse of the money himself and took immediate steps to pay it back. This led to both the prosecution and the defense to ask the judge to sentence Carpenter to probation. However, when imposing the 90-day sentence, U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro stated that lawbreaking by federal officers “undermines the community’s trust in law enforcement.”
During the court proceedings, Carpenter admitted that he let down his colleagues in the FBI. However, he added that after receiving treatment he was a “better, smarter and more self-aware person” who would never let this kind of thing happen again.
The court records show that Carpenter and three agents had traveled to Las Vegas in July of 2017 to investigate public corruption. As part of the investigation, they brought $135,000 (€132,64 ) in cash. This was supposed to cover expenses and pay ‘bribes’ in a sting operation.
The investigation was to have one undercover agent pose as a high roller staying in a cabana at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The room required a minimum purchase of $1.500 in food and drink. After a meeting, Carpenter is said to have drank a six pack of beer and a bottle of vodka. He then admitted that he took some of the cash to play blackjack at the Bellagio. According to the Bellagio’s records, his average bet was $700 per hand. He lost $13,500 (€13,264) at the table.
Both the prosecution and defense argued for leniency stating that Carpenter had an exemplary record as a public servant. His father, a municipal judge in New Jersey sent a letter to the court suggesting that his son was dealing with post-traumatic stress after tours in Iraq with the military.
However Judge Navarro stated that he had already had his charge dropped from a felony to a misdemeanor and was allowed to continue working with the FBI until he pleaded guilty in February of 2022.
Carpenter has 90 days to surrender to prison officials. However, the the judge may yet allow him to serve his time under house arrest.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.