Head of $360
Million Betting Operation Pleads Guilty
As reported by the Empire
Journal: "Individuals that the Queens District
Attorney's office described as the ringleader and
major bookmaker in a highly sophisticated criminal
enterprise allegedly controlled by the Bonanno organized
crime family and his fiancé have pleaded
guilty in connection with a long-term investigation
into sports betting.
"The gambling ring handled illegal wagers
on horse racing, professional baseball and football
and other sporting events that totaled a staggering
$360 million over a two-year period, according to
prosecutors.
"Three other defendants, including the Mets'
former head groundskeeper and a Long Island attorney,
pleaded guilty in connection with the case earlier
this week.
"…Appearing before Queens Supreme Court
Justice Richard L. Buchter, Bruno pleaded guilty
to Enterprise Corruption and was ordered to immediately
forfeit $510,00 in cash, investment accounts and
vehicles. Among the forfeited items, said Queens
District Attorney Richard Brown, are a 2003 Mercedes
Benz valued at $95,000, a 2002 GMC Denali valued
at $29,000 and a rare baseball card collection reportedly
worth as much as $300,000.
"Sentencing has been adjourned to Nov. 15,
at which time Bruno will be sentenced to three to
nine years in state prison. O'Connor pleaded guilty
to conspiracy in the fifth degree and was sentenced
to a one-year conditional discharge…"
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