By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times
Three city workers and a New York City fireman were among 38 people indicted for running nationwide Internet sports-betting ring that netted them nearly $178 million over a period of three years.
Investigators say the NYPD and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents executed more than a dozen search warrants Wednesday seizing more than $1.6 million in cash.
Using two separate Web sites, one being CrownSports.com, which served as a high-tech wire room,members of the ring would take bets and keep records, then pay customers off in cash to avoid violating federal law.
Police say Firefighter Matthew Fopeano, who works in the department's Medical Division, used a marked NYFD vehicle to make his collections.
Police say Firefighter Matthew Fopeano, who works in the department's Medical Division, used a marked NYFD vehicle to make his collections.
Fopeano along with Highway Repair worker, Michael Labetti acted as "agents" responsible for collecting gambling losses, paying out winnings and soliciting new business.
An FDNY spokesman said Fopeano, an eight-year veteran, has been suspended without pay and faces termination.
The gambling ring is said to have been led by Gambino crime-family associate Robert "Rusty" Baselice and Charles "Charlie Tuna" Cicalo and took in $154 million in bets since 2007. on Web sites such as CrownSports.com, which served as a high-tech wire room.
The gambling ring is said to have been led by Gambino crime-family associate Robert "Rusty" Baselice and Charles "Charlie Tuna" Cicalo and took in $154 million in bets since 2007. on Web sites such as CrownSports.com, which served as a high-tech wire room.
Sanitation worker Robert Ackrish, a three-year veteran allegedly ran a separate book that handled $24 million in betting. Ackrish has been issued a complaint and must appear before the department advocate.
Fifteen members of the ring,some from as far away as Nevada and Florida,have been arraigned on enterprise corruption charges not including Fopeano.
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