Dino Gaudio, Extortion, Kentucky 2024

A North Carolina man, 64, has been sentenced to probation and a fine of $10,000 for attempting to extort money from the University of Louisville. Dino Gaudio, of Mooresville, North Carolina, was informed his employment contract as an assistant men’s basketball coach would not be renewed, and he attempted to extort money from the school.

According to court documents, after Dino Gaudio was informed his employment contract as an assistant men’s basketball coach would not be renewed, he attempted to extort money from the University of Louisville. Specifically, Gaudio threatened to report to the media that the University of Louisville men’s basketball program had allegedly violated National College Athletic Association rules in its production of recruiting videos for prospective student-athletes and in its use of graduate assistants in practices, unless he was paid his salary of $25,000 a month for an additional 17 months or received a lump sum payment of $425,000.

As part of this threat, Gaudio sent a text message to University of Louisville personnel containing one of the recruiting videos he was threatening to send to the media. The FBI and the University of Louisville Police Department investigated the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda E. Gregory prosecuted the case.

The case involved a threat to expose alleged NCAA rule violations in the production of recruiting videos and the use of graduate assistants in practices unless a payment was made.

Gaudio was sentenced to probation after attempting to extort the University of Louisville. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000.

Defendant: Dino Gaudio
Criminal Charges: Attempted Extortion
City and State: Louisville, KY
Exact Date: March 29, 2024
Sentence: Probation and $10,000 fine
Dollar Amounts: $25,000 (monthly salary), $425,000 (lump sum payment), $10,000 (fine)

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