 |
||||||||||||||
Casino Gambling TablesInvestigators Say Mob Was Involved in NJ Sports Gambling RingThe NHL sports gambling scandal has deepened, with New Jersey authorities now investigating whether the ringleaders of the five year- old sports gambling operation were in partnership with the mob.Rick Tocchet, a former Flyers superstar and current assistant coach to the Phoenix Coyotes, has been accused of being the financier behind a multi- million dollar illegal sports gambling scheme that frequently took in over one million dollars in bets in a month's time.He will be charged with money- laundering and illegal gambling. Former police office James Harney, who is a long- time personal friend of Tochett's, was allegedly the organizer of the ring. During a clandestine investigation into the activities of the former law enforcement official, investigators observed that Harney was fraternizing with known mobsters. "During the undercover operation, we observed certain individuals were interacting with Harney," Capt. Al Della Fave of the New Jersey State Police said. "Those individuals ... hold positions in the mob."  Capt. Della Fave said, however, that investigators were unclear as to the exact role of the mobsters in Harney's operation. The mafia may have played a role as a financing partner, an extortionist taking "protection money," or, simply, some members of the mafia might have been gambling customers of the ring. "What we need to flesh out now is what role they played in the bookmaking scheme. Was it just that they were bettors? Or were they something more?" he asked. Another law enforcement official said that investigators believe that the Philadelphia mob bigshot Anthony Staino was involved in the sports gambling ring, although he did not offer comment on the mob boss' precise role. Tocchet's attorney, Kevin Marino, said that the mafia was absolutely not involved in the gambling ring, and that his client would fight this allegation. He called law enforcements' allegations of mob participation "categorically false and irresponsible," and pointed a finger at the press, saying that he was "appalled at the ensuing media frenzy." Both Tocchet and Harney have a history of associating with mob figures. According to FBI reports, Tocchet was a Flyers player in the late 1980s when he befriended South Philadelphia mobster Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino. A former mob boss who testified against Merlino said that the mobster was a gambling fan, often betting on hockey games. Merino, according to the boss' testimony, often relied on information from Tochett on players' injuries and other relevant information in his gambling. Whether Tocchet was aware of Merlino's illegal activities, however, could not be gleaned by the ex- mobster's testimony. Della Fave said that the investigation into the gambling ring could go on for months. Investigators are currently interviewing those who placed the largest bets with the ring.  Online Casino - Play at Online Carnival Casino and Get $777 free cash.
|