Thomas Welch of Florida faces multiple racketeering, extortion and money laundering-related charges as the leader of an illegal online sports betting operation and was arrested by Florida Department of Law Enforcement after his home was raided. He is being held with bail set at $245,000.
FDLE Special Agent Bryan Waid gave details of a year-long undercover investigation in a 24-page affidavit.
Welch is accused of funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars to his own accounts via his website Alydar653.com and recruited agents and enforcers using threats such as "....he will eat your face off," according to the affidavit.
The FDLE report also describes authorities going through Welch's trash to obtain evidence of illegal gambling. Audio recordings and wagers were also recovered and Welch has had previous organized crime ties.
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