Allegheny County Gambling Ring
Posted By admin On 20/07/22- Allegheny County Gambling Ring Toss
- Allegheny County Gambling Ring Sizer
- Allegheny County Gambling Ring Set
- Allegheny County Gambling Ring Holder
- Gambling Ring Busted
- Described as a lucrative illegal gambling and lottery business and a “substantial” operation by Deputy Attorney Mark Serge, the Penny father-and-son’s illicit dealings had reported spanned Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and far into Westmoreland County.
- Expanded the family's influence beyond Allegheny County, concentrating mostly on gambling, but in 1956 developed a kidney ailment and resigned to become underboss. John Sebastian LaRocca took over. Born in 1901 in Sicily, he came to the United States in 1910 and settled with his family in Indiana County.
- A former state representative from White Oak who pleaded guilty to his role in a video poker ring has been sentenced to 18 months of electronic monitoring. Gergely, 48, also was sentenced Monday to two years' probation after pleading guilty before Allegheny County Judge Ed Borkowski to violating state election laws and conspiracy to.
Allegheny County Gambling Ring Toss
A weekend gambling raid disrupted a major organized crime gambling operation in Allegheny and Fayette counties and resulted in the arrests of 15 people, including a man authorities say is a.
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office today announced the filing of criminal charges against Marc J. Gergely, a state representative from Allegheny County accused of using his position as an elected official to assist the illegal gambling enterprise of a longtime friend.The charges filed against Gergely, 46, were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The charges were recommended by a statewide investigating grand jury. The grand jury reviewed testimony and evidence that Gergely allegedly agreed to assist in the illegal gambling enterprise headed by Ronald 'Porky' Melocchi, a man Gergely allegedly knew for more than 20 years.
'This is an unfortunate case in which the players traded political capital and favors to advance their own agendas and illicit business,' Attorney General Kane said. 'The evidence clearly shows that Mr. Melocchi relied heavily on his relationships — including with Mr. Gergely — to conduct his illegal business.'
Melocchi and 15 other individuals were criminally charged in September 2013 by the Attorney General's office. Those charges stemmed from the installation and maintenance of illegal video gambling devices in bars, restaurants and other businesses in the McKeesport area. Law enforcement officials seized more than 330 video gambling machines during the investigation. Illegal lotteries and sports betting also were part of the evidence that investigators uncovered.
A court-approved wiretap was part of the Melocchi investigation and confirmed he used a phone to run and promote his illegal business interests. The wiretap also intercepted phone calls that show Gergely allegedly assisted Melocchi's attempts to place illegal gambling machines in McKeesport-area businesses.
Melocchi came to refer to Gergely as part of his 'Super PAC,' and used his connection to Gergely in efforts to convince business owners to place illegal gambling devices within their establishments, a grand jury presentment alleges.
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The grand jury also reviewed evidence concerning a letter that law enforcement investigators drafted in an undercover capacity and delivered to Gergely's state office. The letter describes a woman whose husband has a gambling addiction. The husband allegedly spent the couple's money on gambling machines that were part of Melocchi's illegal enterprise, the letter drafted by investigators claimed, according to the grand jury.
An intercepted phone call played for the grand jury showed Gergely tipped off Melocchi about the letter, the grand jury presentment states. Gergely allegedly failed to turn over the letter to the authorities.
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Further evidence presented to the grand jury alleged Gergely collected a campaign contribution from Melocchi and later wrote a check to a colleague’s political campaign during a chain of events that resulted in a relative of Melocchi being hired by the McKeesport Area School District.Gergely, 1943 Dearborn Drive, White Oak, Allegheny County, represents the 35th legislative district, which includes McKeesport and various other municipalities in Allegheny County. He is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and one count each of dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity, criminal attempt/gambling devices, criminal conspiracy and violation of state election code prohibiting cash or anonymous contributions.
Gergely is expected to appear tomorrow for his preliminary arraignment.
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Attorney General Kane stressed this is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are expected. She thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for its diligent work on the investigation.