Post by KC on Feb 7, 2006 23:36:37 GMT -5
02/07/2006 - New Jersey state investigators today announced they had dismantled an illegal sports betting ring they say was orchestrated by former Philadelphia Flyers star Richard Tocchet and a state trooper.
Authorities said the ring had ties to the mob, and touched on at least one Hollywood star and several professional hockey players.
Officials with the State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice said Trooper James Harney, 40, of Marlton, had been charged with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, for his role in a betting scheme they said operated mainly in South Jersey and Philadelphia but extended nationwide. Harney's alleged partner, Tocchet, 41, who played for the Flyers from 1984 to 1992 and from 1999 to 2002 and is now an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, also was served with a complaint summons charging him with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.
James Ulmer, 40, of Swedesboro, who investigators said helped the pair taking bets, was similarly charged. He and Tocchet could face five to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Harney, an 8-year veteran of the force stationed in Moorestown, faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, lawyers for the attorney general's office said. If convicted, Harney, who has been suspended without pay, also would never be allowed to return to a government job.
Authorities said the ring had ties to the mob, and touched on at least one Hollywood star and several professional hockey players.
Officials with the State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice said Trooper James Harney, 40, of Marlton, had been charged with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, for his role in a betting scheme they said operated mainly in South Jersey and Philadelphia but extended nationwide. Harney's alleged partner, Tocchet, 41, who played for the Flyers from 1984 to 1992 and from 1999 to 2002 and is now an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, also was served with a complaint summons charging him with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.
James Ulmer, 40, of Swedesboro, who investigators said helped the pair taking bets, was similarly charged. He and Tocchet could face five to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Harney, an 8-year veteran of the force stationed in Moorestown, faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, lawyers for the attorney general's office said. If convicted, Harney, who has been suspended without pay, also would never be allowed to return to a government job.