A group of more than two dozen current and former college athletes from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa have filed a federal lawsuit against investigators over a dropped sports gambling investigation. The lawsuit accuses the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) of improperly using geofencing software to target bets at the universities. The lawsuit claims that the athletes’ constitutional rights were violated and seeks unspecified damages for emotional distress and punitive damages.
The controversy surrounding the investigation began in January when attorneys claimed that the DCI conducted a “warrantless search” by placing a geofence around certain dorms to investigate underage gambling. State lawmakers expressed concerns about privacy rights, and the Department of Public Safety defended its actions, stating that they were lawful and reviewed by legal counsel before charges were filed.
In February, attorneys claimed that the DCI lost access to the geofencing software after the company behind it believed the access had been exceeded. In March, charges against four Iowa State student-athletes were ultimately dismissed. The DCI has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
The federal lawsuit includes more than two dozen student-athletes from various sports at the universities. The full list of plaintiffs includes names from football, wrestling, basketball, and baseball teams. The athletes are seeking justice for the alleged violations of their rights and the emotional distress caused by the investigation.
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