https://regionnewssource.org/gary-man-charged-in-multi-state-online-betting-fraud-and-money-laundering-scheme/#google_vignette

A Gary man has been charged in connection with a multi-state fraud scheme involving stolen credit and debit card information used to fund online sports betting accounts.

According to the probable cause affidavit, an investigator with the Indiana Gaming Commission’s Gaming Control Division began looking into fraudulent transactions between July 25, 2022, and July 12, 2024. The investigation originated from a DraftKings fraud report involving a Rockland Federal Credit Union debit card that had been used to deposit $1,000 into an account. Records showed that 32 different stolen credit and debit cards were used to deposit $12,435 into the account between July 25 and July 27, 2022, with $10,632 withdrawn the same day to a Visa debit card.

DraftKings and FanDuel account records linked the account to addresses in Gary, Indiana, and multiple financial institutions confirmed chargebacks on cards used in the scheme. A search of phone, banking, and geolocation records placed the account holder in Lake County, Indiana, during the fraudulent transactions.

On April 3, 2024, the account holder met with investigators and admitted their role, identifying “Jamar Stacks” — later confirmed through CashApp and Indiana BMV records as Jamar James Willis — as their co-conspirator. Text messages and CashApp records showed numerous transfers of $500 and $1,000 from the account holder to Willis on July 27, 2022, the same day of the large DraftKings withdrawal.

Financial records from multiple banks across several states showed that stolen cards issued to individuals in Illinois, Maryland, Rhode Island, Ohio, New Hampshire, and other locations were used to fund the betting account. Victims reported the transactions as unauthorized, and their financial institutions reimbursed the stolen amounts.

When investigators spoke with Willis at his Gary residence on July 12, 2024, he denied knowing the account holder or being involved, but was confronted with evidence of transactions between them. The conversation ended after Willis indicated he wanted an attorney.

Charges:

• Four counts of Fraud – Victim is a financial institution (Level 5 Felony)

• Corrupt Business Influence (Level 5 Felony)

• Four counts of Identity Deception (Level 6 Felony)

• Money Laundering – Acquire, receive, conceal, possess, transfer or transport proceeds (Level 6 Felony)

• Money Laundering – Conduct, supervise, or facilitate a transaction involving proceeds (Level 6 Felony)

Willis was lodged in the Lake County Jail on August 13, 2025.

This case remains under investigation and further charges may be pending.