The Iowa gambling probe is beginning to resemble a misuse of authority.
Emails have surfaced, revealing the motives of at least one investigator in the ongoing inquiry surrounding the suspensions and apprehensions of numerous collegiate athletes.
In a 2023 email, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Chris Adkins penned that the Iowa gambling inquiry “will draw attention to our division, not only in the public eye, but also in the eyes of the commissioner and even the legislature.”
It appears an Iowa criminal investigator has strayed from his ethical principles, more focused on grabbing headlines than adhering to regulations, emails disclosed to the Associated Press this week demonstrate.
The emails expose another facet to the investigation, which is starting to resemble an overreach of power. The outcome is that numerous athletes from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University have either faced criminal charges in the state or been suspended by the NCAA.
In certain instances, which may encompass then-Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers, the inquiry may have jeopardized players’ careers.
Investigators have their own agenda.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) prohibited Dekkers from participating in athletic activities due to roughly 366 instances of gambling, including 26 wagers on Iowa State University squads, including the gridiron squad. Dekkers placed approximately 297 bets before reaching the age of 21. In Iowa, individuals are permitted to legally wager on sporting events upon reaching the age of 21. It is also against NCAA regulations for student athletes to engage in gambling. Placing bets on one’s own team is considered the most severe breach of rules across all sports.
The Associated Press obtained the most recent details regarding the Iowa gambling inquiry through a public records request. Electronic messages indicate that investigators had their own objectives.
“If they are suspended or lose their athletic scholarships, so be it,” Adkins wrote in one electronic message.
In another electronic message, he wrote: “In a high-profile case like this, we can demonstrate our worth to those in authority, while also issuing a warning that we are monitoring these activities and hopefully preventing future occurrences.
“If we continue to examine this matter, it will become public knowledge and individuals will begin questioning why no criminal actions were taken – we can utilize this platform to advocate for code modifications in the future.”
Improper Use of Data Tools in the Iowa Gambling Inquiry
The Iowa gambling inquiry commenced before the 2023 football season. Personnel from the criminal investigation department allegedly misused data and tools provided by geolocation company GeoComply.
Detectives initially monitored gambling actions in Iowa, and subsequently at Iowa State University, within student residences and athletic centers, without securing a warrant.
GeoComply, a Vancouver-based firm specializing in geolocation services, offers instruments that can be employed to monitor gambling locations. As reported by the Washington Post, the company furnished a tool enabling Iowa criminal investigators to pinpoint clusters of gambling activity. At the time, regulations governing how investigators utilized the tool were ambiguous. Investigators may have contravened state law while employing the tool.
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