Sentences In 2012 New Jersey SportsBetting Bust

Thursday June 18,2015 : SENTENCES HANDED DOWN IN 2012 NEW JERSEY SPORTS BETTING BUST (Update)

Accused pleaded guilty to violating RICO statute.

Michael O’Donnell (51) was sentenced to 21 months in prison for violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) statute by participating in online sports betting through offshore website Bet Eagle .

An indictment unsealed in July 2013 named 13 US residents, alleging that some were members of the Genovese organised crime family and the LaScala Crew.

Newark Federal Court’s U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi handed down the jail term along with an additional three years of supervised release and a $5,000 fine.

Joseph Graziano (78) of Springfield, purported to be the principal owner of the Costa Rica-based operation at the time, is scheduled for sentencing next week while associate Dominick Barone (45) has already been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment. 

All three men pleaded guilty.