Key Points
Contents
- Federal authorities arrested Aaron John Sasser from Maryland for allegedly issuing death threats toward PrizePicks leadership, including the CEO, founder, and CTO, regarding $50 trapped in his account
- The alleged threats occurred via the platform’s online customer support chat system on April 3, featuring violent rhetoric aimed at company leaders and their family members
- PrizePicks transmitted Sasser’s user data and identification documents to FBI investigators in Atlanta
- Authorities released Sasser to paternal supervision with strict home detention requirements and prohibitions against gambling and social media access
- This incident contributes to an emerging trend of harassment and threats targeting sports betting industry professionals related to wagering conflicts
Federal prosecutors have brought charges against a Maryland resident who allegedly issued death threats toward several PrizePicks company leaders stemming from a fifty-dollar account disagreement. This prosecution underscores mounting concerns regarding harassment directed at professionals in the sports wagering and fantasy sports sectors.
Law enforcement officials apprehended Aaron John Sasser this month after he allegedly transmitted threats via the PrizePicks online customer support platform on April 3. According to FBI documentation, the chat exchange continued for no less than 24 minutes.
The affidavit indicates that Sasser specifically threatened PrizePicks CEO Mike Ybarra, founder and Executive Chairman Adam Wexler, and co-founder and CTO Jay Deuskar with violence. His alleged threats extended to include the spouses of these executives.
Special Agent Joshua Floyd’s sworn statement revealed that the chat transcript contained antisemitic remarks.
“If my $50 doesn’t end up back in my bank account before 5pm today, I’m going to drive down to Atlanta, Georgia and kill everyone in the PrizePicks office,” Sasser wrote, according to the affidavit.
The conversation initially involved an automated chatbot before a customer service supervisor intervened. The supervisor informed Sasser that his actions would result in permanent account termination and notification of law enforcement agencies.
The company executed on that commitment. PrizePicks transmitted comprehensive account details to FBI investigators in Atlanta, including Sasser’s registered email, a digital scan of his driver’s license, and profile photography.
PrizePicks’ Growth Trajectory and Recent Transaction
PrizePicks has established itself as a dominant player among daily fantasy sports platforms nationwide. Notable investors include poker champion Phil Hellmuth and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Andruw Jones.
The Atlanta-area enterprise launched with single-player DFS offerings before diversifying into peer-to-peer fantasy competitions and prediction market products. This past January, Switzerland-based Allwyn International finalized a $1.53 billion transaction acquiring a 62.3% ownership position in the operation.
Matthew Wein, a former official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who maintains the Secure Stakes newsletter on Substack, initially disclosed the charges against Sasser.
“These are the exact types of threats I have been warning about in Secure Stakes,” Wein wrote. “The types of threats that sportsbooks, DFS apps, and sports leagues are not ready for.”
Defendant Released With Severe Limitations
This prosecution emerges amid multiple cases involving individuals charged with threatening professional athletes and coaching staff following unsuccessful wagers. Various legislators and organizations, including the NCAA, have advocated for state-level restrictions on specific bet types to mitigate such threatening behavior.
Judicial records show that Sasser waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Authorities released him to his father’s supervision on April 10.
Judicial officials mandated continuous home detention for Sasser, permitting only minimal travel exceptions. He received orders prohibiting any communication with Ybarra, Wexler, or Deuskar, along with additional individuals named in the proceeding.
Authorities banned Sasser from all gambling activities and entry into any gaming facilities. Additional restrictions prevent him from utilizing social media platforms or visiting websites offering real-time customer service chat capabilities.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia authorized a public defender for his legal representation.
