HIGH PROFILE NAME IN NEW YORK SPORTSBETTING BUSTS (Update)

30 March 2007

Was Garcia merely a gambler, or does his involvement extend deeper?

This week's online sportsbook arrests across New Jersey, New York and Connecticutt have triggered a wave of media reportage and speculation, with over 60 arrests (see previous InfoPowa report) and some accuseds still being sought. Among those yet to be detained and charged is a prominent New Jersey Assembleman and former mayor called Rudy Garcia.

Stephen Turano, Garcia's legal counsel says his principal is not evading arrest and that he was merely one of the many betters who used the vast $30 million online gambling ring.

"He has not surrendered only because he is out of town on business and we are just making arrangements," said Turano. "He had absolutely nothing to do with the operation of, or promoting of, gambling. He may have placed some bets, but that's the extent of it," said Turano, adding that Garcia is "a juicy target."

The attorney said he has not yet been informed of the charges. However, the charges against Garcia could be more serious and may involve money laundering, an official familiar with the case told The Jersey Journal newsheet.

Others charged Wednesday included strip club and restaurant owners, two former New York City detectives, one of whom worked in the Organised Crimes Division, a former Wall Street stock broker, a postal worker who took bets from the post office and a secretarial coordinator at a law firm.

As we went to press reports were coming in that the police operation across the three states was still ongoing, and that one prominent detainee's safety deposit box had been accessed under warrant and over half a million dollars confiscated as evidence.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa

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