Three Evangeline Downs Jockeys Arrested

Following an extensive investigation by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, three Louisiana jockeys have been arrested and charged for their roles in an alleged race-fixing scheme.  

As a result of the investigation, troopers arrested Joseph Patin Jr., 46, of Opelousas; his brother Billy Patin, 51, of Opelousas; and LeSean Conyers, 24, of Lafayette, on charges of willful pulling of the reins, and cheating and swindling.  

The arrests stem from an investigation into a complaint received from the Louisiana Racing Commission alleging that during a June 19 race at Evangeline Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel, the three suspects engaged in questionable riding tactics that affected the outcome of the race. Through interviews and evidence obtained from track officials, troopers determined the jockeys willfully schemed to hold back a horse picked as a favorite to win, while using an agent to place unusual bets in an attempt to maximize winnings.  

Additionally, both Joseph Patin Jr. and Billy Patin were arrested on warrants for the unnatural stimulation of horses (possession of an electronic shocking device). Evidence in two separate races on July 4, 2015 revealed that the jockeys possessed hand-held shocking devices while competing in races at Evangeline Downs.

"Troopers from our Gaming Enforcement Division worked closely with racing officials to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the allegations of race-fixing at the Evangeline Downs Race Track," said state police superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson. "Louisiana State Police remains committed to the regulation of gaming and the enforcement of criminal gambling laws to safeguard our citizens against corrupt and dishonest practices." 

Law enforcement officials said the investigation is ongoing. While officials didn't identify the race in question, the only June 19 Evangeline race in which more than one of the arrested riders participated was race 7 .

A quarter-mile into the seven-furlong claiming race, their three mounts were 8 to 11 lengths behind, including 7-5 choice Powder Road, who was 8 lengths back under Joe Patin Jr. and would finish third, 16 1/2 lengths behind the runner-up. The mounts for the other two riders finished last and second-last in the six-horse claiming race.

Blood-Horse has not been able to immediately reach attorneys for the three arrested riders.

The racetrack is working with law enforcement and issued the following statement: "Evangeline Downs has zero tolerance for any attempt to compromise the integrity of our races. We are actively assisting law enforcement officials in their investigation."

The Patin brothers already have a checkered past.

Billy Patin was suspended for five years after Arkansas regulators determined he used a buzzer on Valhol in the 1999 Arkansas Derby (gr. II). James Jackson's Vahol, who entered the Arkansas Derby as a maiden, finished first in the $500,000 race at odds of 30-1, but would be placed last as part of the sanctions for Patin's use of an electric shock device.

Billy Patin would return to race riding in 2004.

In 2008 Joe Patin Jr. was arrested on 11 criminal counts including possession of crack cocaine. Those charges followed several suspensions at the regulatory level for substance abuse problems. In 2008 he was suspended indefinitely by the Louisiana Racing Commission, but he would return to racing in 2012.

Chairman Bob Wright of the Louisiana Racing Commission said in a release, "Horseracing in Louisiana has been a prominent aspect of the state's sports history. The Louisiana State Racing Commission is dedicated to the maintenance of a high quality sport and a fair playing field for its many pari-mutuel fans and an important economic industry. Any deviations from honest and truly competitive horseracing cannot be condoned and the Commission remains vigilant in its efforts to assure the highest standards possible."