Craig Carton

Craig Carton
Born:	1969-01-31 New Rochelle, New York
Charges:	Securities fraud, Wire fraud, Conspiracy
Sentence:	3.5 years (42 months)
Facility:	FCI Lewisburg Camp
Status:	Released

Craig Carton (born January 31, 1969) is an American sports radio host known for his work on WFAN in New York. He co-hosted "Boomer and Carton" with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason for a decade. In 2018, Carton was convicted of securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy related to a ticket resale scheme designed to pay off his gambling debts. He served a portion of a 3.5-year sentence before being released during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since returned to radio.

Early Life

Craig Carton was born on January 31, 1969, in New Rochelle, New York. He developed an interest in broadcasting from a young age.

Education

• Attended high school in New York
• Attended Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
• Studied broadcast journalism

Radio Career

Early Career

Carton began his broadcasting career at small radio stations before moving to larger markets. His early stops included:

• WIP-FM in Philadelphia (1991-1996)
• WNEW-FM in New York
• Various other stations

Boomer and Carton (2007-2017)

In 2007, Carton joined WFAN in New York to co-host the morning drive show with former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. "Boomer and Carton" became one of the highest-rated sports radio shows in the country:

• Known for a mix of sports talk and entertainment
• Carton's brash personality contrasted with Esiason's sports expertise
• The show became a New York radio institution
• Lasted for a decade until Carton's arrest in 2017

On-Air Persona

Carton was known for:

• Provocative and controversial opinions
• Willingness to discuss personal topics
• Energetic and confrontational style
• Building a devoted fan base

Gambling Addiction

The Problem

Carton developed a severe gambling addiction that would eventually lead to his criminal conduct. His gambling:

• Resulted in massive debts
• Became increasingly desperate
• Led him to seek ways to cover his losses
• Spiraled out of control

Carton has since been open about his addiction, which he estimates resulted in losses of tens of millions of dollars.

The Fraud

The Scheme

To pay off his gambling debts, Carton orchestrated a fraud involving concert ticket investments:

The Pitch

• Carton and associates told investors they had exclusive access to buy large blocks of concert tickets at face value
• Investors were promised they would share in profits when tickets were resold at higher prices
• Carton used his celebrity and business contacts to appear credible

The Reality

• Much of the money raised was not used to buy tickets
• Funds were diverted to pay Carton's gambling debts
• Earlier investors were paid with money from later investors (Ponzi-like)
• The scheme raised approximately $5.6 million

Participants

• Carton recruited partners including music industry figure Michael Wright
• Associates helped legitimize the scheme and recruit investors

Unraveling

The scheme collapsed when:

• Investors began asking questions about returns
• The promised profits never materialized
• Authorities began investigating

Criminal Prosecution

Arrest

On September 6, 2017, Carton was arrested at his home by FBI agents. He was charged with:

• Securities fraud
• Wire fraud
• Conspiracy

Carton immediately resigned from WFAN.

Trial

Carton's trial took place in November 2018 in Manhattan federal court. The prosecution presented:

• Evidence of the fraudulent scheme
• Testimony from investors
• Documentation of how funds were misused
• Evidence of Carton's gambling losses

The defense argued that Carton:

• Had a severe gambling addiction that impaired his judgment
• Genuinely intended to make the investments work
• Was influenced by his co-conspirators

Conviction

On November 8, 2018, the jury convicted Carton on all counts:

• One count of securities fraud
• One count of wire fraud
• One count of conspiracy

Sentencing

On April 5, 2019, Judge Colleen McMahon sentenced Carton to:

• 42 months (3.5 years) in federal prison
• 3 years of supervised release
• Restitution of approximately $4.8 million

At sentencing, the judge acknowledged Carton's addiction issues but noted the severity of the crime and harm to victims.

Incarceration

FCI Lewisburg Camp

Carton served his sentence at the minimum-security camp adjacent to FCI Lewisburg in Pennsylvania.

Life in Prison

During his incarceration, Carton:

• Participated in addiction treatment programs
• Worked on his recovery from gambling addiction
• Maintained contact with family
• Planned for his return to broadcasting

Early Release

In June 2020, Carton was released from prison to home confinement due to COVID-19 concerns, having served approximately one year of his sentence. He completed the remainder of his sentence under home confinement.

Post-Release Career

Return to Radio

In a remarkable comeback, Carton returned to WFAN:

• Announced his return in August 2020
• Reunited with co-host Evan Roberts for "Carton and Roberts"
• Returned to the afternoon drive slot
• Has openly discussed his addiction and legal troubles on air

Documentary

In 2020, Carton released a documentary film about his life:

• "Wild Card: The Downfall of a Radio Loudmouth" was released on HBO
• The film chronicled his rise, fall, and struggles with addiction
• Directed by Marie Demopoulos
• Featured Carton's cooperation and candid interviews

Addiction Advocacy

Since his release, Carton has:

• Spoken openly about gambling addiction
• Advocated for awareness and treatment
• Used his platform to help others struggling with addiction
• Founded a charitable organization focused on gambling addiction

Gambling Addiction Awareness

Tick Tock Sports Foundation

Carton founded the Tick Tock Sports Foundation to:

• Raise awareness about gambling addiction
• Provide resources for those struggling
• Support research and treatment programs
• Use his story to help others

Public Discussion

Carton has been notably candid about:

• The progression of his addiction
• The lies he told to cover his gambling
• The impact on his family and career
• His ongoing recovery

Legacy and Significance

Broadcasting

Despite his legal troubles, Carton's career illustrates:

• The possibility of second chances in media
• How personality-driven content builds loyal audiences
• The challenges of maintaining public persona

Addiction Awareness

His case has contributed to:

• Greater awareness of gambling addiction among professionals
• Discussion about addiction as a factor in white-collar crime
• Understanding how addiction can lead to criminal behavior

Second Chances

Carton's return to radio represents:

• Public willingness to accept reformed individuals
• The entertainment industry's approach to redemption
• Questions about accountability and forgiveness

See Also

• FCI Lewisburg
• Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Offense Enhancements
• Home Confinement and Monitoring Programs