Chinese couple sells three of their kids to fund online gaming habit
Jeff Hughes
A couple in southern China has apparently sold their three children for less than $10,000 to support an online gaming obsession.
Gaming can get quite time and resource consuming, but two gamers have reached a new low in pursuit of virtual gratification. A southern Chinese newspaper is reporting that a young Chinese couple has been found guilty of selling their three children off to support a gaming habit.
It sounds like a ludicrous scenario but according to Sanxiang City News, the couple from Dongguan, China first met in 2007 in an Internet cafe; both were under 21 years old. Bonding over a mutual online gaming obsession, the two eventually had their first child a year later. However, the couple couldn’t be weaned from online gaming and within a few days of their son’s birth they left him home alone so they could trek to an Internet cafe 18 miles away.
Li Lin and Li Juan didn’t begin selling children until 2009 with the birth of their second child, a baby girl. Graduating from simple neglect, the young couple sold the baby girl to fund their obsession and received a short-lived sum equivalent to $500. With the success of the baby girl they then proceeded to sell their firstborn son and received close to $4600 for him; almost ten times the amount as the girl.
The next child they had was another son who was sold for the same amount $4600. The two were finally turned in to the authorities by Li Lin’s mother who discovered what was happening to her grandchildren. It was reported that the couple didn’t know that they were breaking a law.
The two gamers were asked if they missed their children and they responded, “we don’t want to raise them, we just want to sell them for some money.”
Chinese newspapers have had a tendency to embellish stories in the past, but China has had a history of online gaming problems. In 2007 a man’s three day gaming binge in Guangzhou actually led to his death. The Chinese government has attempted to control the problem by setting time limits on game play and even banning the creation of new internet cafes.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sunday, 7/31: The Big Gamble
From our friends at Stop Predatory Gambling:
In light of the Governor's comments today about casinos in MA, I wanted to give you a heads up that 60 Minutes is re-broadcasting the story it ran on slot machines and government's role in creating new addicts this Sunday night 7/31. It's truly remarkable that there is so much discussion and media around legalizing casinos yet there is virtually no public understanding about how slots work and the impact they have on people who use them frequently. 60 Minutes did the first of what will be many national stories about slots as a "product."
After watching the 60 Minutes segment, you'll understand why officials who support predatory gambling don't want to investigate whether slots are manipulated to be specially addictive or whether gamblers addicted to these machines are more difficult to treat than other gamblers or whether casinos generate the majority of their revenues from gambling addicts.
How about a story getting the state's political leadership to react to the 60 Minutes investigation? Did 60 Minutes get it wrong?
Here's the full segment: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/id=7374764n&tag=contentMain;contentBody
The Big Gamble - Lesley Stahl reports on the proliferation of gambling to 38 states and its main attraction, the slot machine, newer versions of which some scientists believe may addict their players. Ira Rosen and Joel Bach are the producers. Watch a preview
Best,
Les Bernal
Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation
978-683-4339
In light of the Governor's comments today about casinos in MA, I wanted to give you a heads up that 60 Minutes is re-broadcasting the story it ran on slot machines and government's role in creating new addicts this Sunday night 7/31. It's truly remarkable that there is so much discussion and media around legalizing casinos yet there is virtually no public understanding about how slots work and the impact they have on people who use them frequently. 60 Minutes did the first of what will be many national stories about slots as a "product."
After watching the 60 Minutes segment, you'll understand why officials who support predatory gambling don't want to investigate whether slots are manipulated to be specially addictive or whether gamblers addicted to these machines are more difficult to treat than other gamblers or whether casinos generate the majority of their revenues from gambling addicts.
How about a story getting the state's political leadership to react to the 60 Minutes investigation? Did 60 Minutes get it wrong?
Here's the full segment: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/id=7374764n&tag=contentMain;contentBody
The Big Gamble - Lesley Stahl reports on the proliferation of gambling to 38 states and its main attraction, the slot machine, newer versions of which some scientists believe may addict their players. Ira Rosen and Joel Bach are the producers. Watch a preview
Best,
Les Bernal
Stop Predatory Gambling Foundation
978-683-4339
Tennessee: Gambling Addict at heart of corruption investigation?
Although Gambling Addiction appears unsubstantiated at this time, this ongoing investigation appears to be a matter of long standing involving government corruption.
Shelby County Commissioner Got Calls About Corruption In Millington, Prior To TBI Raid
But there is talk around town of the Mayor's mounting debt and talk of a gambling habit and funneling of money through the Public Works Department. At this point it is all just talk. But County Commissioner Terry Roland, who represents Millington, ...
Officials search city offices in Millington for evidence of possible misconduct
By Kevin McKenzie
After the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Shelby County County District Attorney's Office shocked Millington city government on Wednesday with search warrants in a probe of official misconduct, the waiting began.
"It's hard to react until you know all the facts," said Mike Caruthers, a Millington alderman.
A spokesman for the district attorney's office gave no hint of what the facts may be but said the scope of the search for evidence of possible misconduct by public officials stretches beyond the city limits of Millington.
"Not only here, but throughout Shelby County," said Vince Higgins, a spokesman for the district attorney's office, offering limited information to reporters outside Millington's City Hall on Wednesday.
The gathering of evidence revealed an investigation, but no details about it or even if criminal indictments or charges will follow.
State investigators and Shelby County Sheriff's Office deputies swept into Millington on Wednesday with search warrants and several white, cardboard file boxes for holding evidence.
A complaint to the district attorney's office in December 2010 triggered the probe, Higgins said.
The raid on city offices arrived the day after Millington Mayor Richard Hodges' wife, Rita Hodges, 68, reportedly took her own life in the couple's home not far from City Hall, according to police.
Hodges was stunned by the timing. He said he felt the decision to press the investigation Wednesday was deliberate, coming right after the death of his wife.
"Oh, yeah, there's a connection," Hodges said. "This day wasn't planned six months ago."
Asked why he believes the search warrants were served Wednesday, Hodges said, "To try to break me down."
The state district attorney's investigators arrived at City Hall and separate facilities housing the departments of planning and public works. A morning staff meeting was in progress at the police department when search warrants were served and undisclosed evidence gathered.
Public Works Director Jack Huffman confirmed that investigators arrived at his department at 8:15 a.m. and "went through every piece of paper down there."
The authorities locked the doors and wouldn't let city personnel out, Huffman said.
"They said we hadn't done anything wrong, don't get upset, that they just wanted to look through some records," he said.
The investigators did not take any records with them, Huffman said.
However, the TBI and district attorney's office teams collected undisclosed items in several white file boxes they carried away.
The Transmission Doctors, a private transmission repair business on Easley at Wilkinsville, also was a focus of the state investigators. Building permits for the business were among the evidence gathered in the city's planning department. A reporter seeking comment at the business was asked to leave the property.
Hodges and the apparent owner of the transmission business, Marlin T. Roberts, have financial as well as civic ties.
In his 2011 statement of disclosure of interests with the Tennessee Ethics Commission, Hodges listed Roberts as a loan holder that the mayor owes.
The subject of official misconduct by the mayor arose earlier this year in a leaked memo that Memphis attorney Ted Hansom prepared for several Millington police officers. They were upset by the higher pay given to at least one officer hired after Hodges took office in January 2009.
Prompted by the memo, an investigation by the city attorney found no evidence that Hodges had offered the police officer a job in exchange for the work during his election campaign. However, the April report reprimanded the mayor for violating a policy that would have prevented the higher pay.
The news of the raid drew the attention of residents who have been critical of City Hall or various issues, including Rhonda O'Dell, 45, the city's former storm water manager who was let go when the new budget year began this month.
"People are not tolerating this anymore," O'Dell said of public corruption in Shelby County and nationwide.
At the counter in Millington's City Hall, Tracey Boldien, 45, said she moved to neighboring Tipton County from Memphis last spring because she was sick of corrupt politicians and high taxes, among other things.
Sheriff's deputies guarded the door of the Millington mayor's office as a group of investigators nearby in the City Hall lobby gathered the evidence collected. Television crews recorded the scene.
"I'm thinking I'm getting away from corruption," Boldien said, "and apparently I'm not."
-- Kevin McKenzie
Staff reporters Tom Bailey and Chris Conley contributed to this article.
Shelby County Commissioner Got Calls About Corruption In Millington, Prior To TBI Raid
But there is talk around town of the Mayor's mounting debt and talk of a gambling habit and funneling of money through the Public Works Department. At this point it is all just talk. But County Commissioner Terry Roland, who represents Millington, ...
Officials search city offices in Millington for evidence of possible misconduct
By Kevin McKenzie
After the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Shelby County County District Attorney's Office shocked Millington city government on Wednesday with search warrants in a probe of official misconduct, the waiting began.
"It's hard to react until you know all the facts," said Mike Caruthers, a Millington alderman.
A spokesman for the district attorney's office gave no hint of what the facts may be but said the scope of the search for evidence of possible misconduct by public officials stretches beyond the city limits of Millington.
"Not only here, but throughout Shelby County," said Vince Higgins, a spokesman for the district attorney's office, offering limited information to reporters outside Millington's City Hall on Wednesday.
The gathering of evidence revealed an investigation, but no details about it or even if criminal indictments or charges will follow.
State investigators and Shelby County Sheriff's Office deputies swept into Millington on Wednesday with search warrants and several white, cardboard file boxes for holding evidence.
A complaint to the district attorney's office in December 2010 triggered the probe, Higgins said.
The raid on city offices arrived the day after Millington Mayor Richard Hodges' wife, Rita Hodges, 68, reportedly took her own life in the couple's home not far from City Hall, according to police.
Hodges was stunned by the timing. He said he felt the decision to press the investigation Wednesday was deliberate, coming right after the death of his wife.
"Oh, yeah, there's a connection," Hodges said. "This day wasn't planned six months ago."
Asked why he believes the search warrants were served Wednesday, Hodges said, "To try to break me down."
The state district attorney's investigators arrived at City Hall and separate facilities housing the departments of planning and public works. A morning staff meeting was in progress at the police department when search warrants were served and undisclosed evidence gathered.
Public Works Director Jack Huffman confirmed that investigators arrived at his department at 8:15 a.m. and "went through every piece of paper down there."
The authorities locked the doors and wouldn't let city personnel out, Huffman said.
"They said we hadn't done anything wrong, don't get upset, that they just wanted to look through some records," he said.
The investigators did not take any records with them, Huffman said.
However, the TBI and district attorney's office teams collected undisclosed items in several white file boxes they carried away.
The Transmission Doctors, a private transmission repair business on Easley at Wilkinsville, also was a focus of the state investigators. Building permits for the business were among the evidence gathered in the city's planning department. A reporter seeking comment at the business was asked to leave the property.
Hodges and the apparent owner of the transmission business, Marlin T. Roberts, have financial as well as civic ties.
In his 2011 statement of disclosure of interests with the Tennessee Ethics Commission, Hodges listed Roberts as a loan holder that the mayor owes.
The subject of official misconduct by the mayor arose earlier this year in a leaked memo that Memphis attorney Ted Hansom prepared for several Millington police officers. They were upset by the higher pay given to at least one officer hired after Hodges took office in January 2009.
Prompted by the memo, an investigation by the city attorney found no evidence that Hodges had offered the police officer a job in exchange for the work during his election campaign. However, the April report reprimanded the mayor for violating a policy that would have prevented the higher pay.
The news of the raid drew the attention of residents who have been critical of City Hall or various issues, including Rhonda O'Dell, 45, the city's former storm water manager who was let go when the new budget year began this month.
"People are not tolerating this anymore," O'Dell said of public corruption in Shelby County and nationwide.
At the counter in Millington's City Hall, Tracey Boldien, 45, said she moved to neighboring Tipton County from Memphis last spring because she was sick of corrupt politicians and high taxes, among other things.
Sheriff's deputies guarded the door of the Millington mayor's office as a group of investigators nearby in the City Hall lobby gathered the evidence collected. Television crews recorded the scene.
"I'm thinking I'm getting away from corruption," Boldien said, "and apparently I'm not."
-- Kevin McKenzie
Staff reporters Tom Bailey and Chris Conley contributed to this article.
Alabama: Even hypothetical $10 contribution could be a crime
Alabama bingo prosecutors: Even hypothetical $10 contribution could be a crime
By Brendan Kirby, Press-Register Press-Register
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Lawyers in the State House corruption trial this morning debated how far the law goes to prohibit bribery, with prosecutors arguing that it could be illegal even for a person to send $10 to his legislator.
U.S. District Myron Thompson posed a hypothetical, asking if it was a crime to send the $10 check along with a letter explaining that the money is tied to the lawmaker’s upcoming vote on an issue. Is that a crime if the lawmaker simply keeps the money, he asked?
Eric Olshan, an attorney with the public integrity section of the U.S. Justice Department, said that would violate the law because the issue is the intent of the briber. That would be the case, he argued, even if the lawmaker voted the other way on the bill.
The question goes to the heart of bribery allegations against VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, who is charged with orchestrating a scheme to bribe state lawmakers to win passage of a bill that would have given voters a chance to legalize electronic bingo. The bill passed the state Senate but died in the House amid revelations of an FBI investigation.
Attorneys for McGregor and 8 other defendants are trying to get Thompson to throw out the charges.
Sam Heldman, an attorney for McGregor, said he was “shocked” that prosecutors argued the hypothetical $10 contribution is illegal. “If that’s a crime, we’re all guilty,” he said.
One of the counts against McGregor involves a $5,000 contribution through lobbyist Bob Geddie that was made to state Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka. Heldman argued that in an earlier conversation between his client and Mask, it was the lawmaker who brought up the contribution.
McGregor, Heldman argued, simply was lobbying for support of the bill.
“What we’re talking about is money in politics,” he said. “Everybody knows there is money in politics. It is not a crime to discuss money in politics.”
Feldman said it is not a crime to “give someone a campaign contribution to inspire them.” He compared the situation to a recent vote to legalize gay marriage in New York state, pointing to a newspaper story that quoted a Republican legislator who voted for the bill after Wall Street financiers said they would be eager to support him if he voted “yes.”
Thompson had tough questions for lawyers on both sides today. While he grilled prosecutors over the intricacies of bribery law, he demanded to know why McGregor was paying $3,000 a month to Ray Crosby, who at the time worked for a government agency that was in charge of drafting legislation for lawmakers.
“I don’t know,” Heldman said.
Thompson asked if a jury could not infer the worst, given the lack of explanation.
Heldman said that the burden is on prosecutors to prove a corrupt intent. He acknowledged that Crosby worked with McGregor on gambling legislation but pointed out that state law authorized that as long as the bill’s sponsor approved it.
“Merely paying him is not a crime, not a federal crime,” he said.
By Brendan Kirby, Press-Register Press-Register
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Lawyers in the State House corruption trial this morning debated how far the law goes to prohibit bribery, with prosecutors arguing that it could be illegal even for a person to send $10 to his legislator.
U.S. District Myron Thompson posed a hypothetical, asking if it was a crime to send the $10 check along with a letter explaining that the money is tied to the lawmaker’s upcoming vote on an issue. Is that a crime if the lawmaker simply keeps the money, he asked?
Eric Olshan, an attorney with the public integrity section of the U.S. Justice Department, said that would violate the law because the issue is the intent of the briber. That would be the case, he argued, even if the lawmaker voted the other way on the bill.
The question goes to the heart of bribery allegations against VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor, who is charged with orchestrating a scheme to bribe state lawmakers to win passage of a bill that would have given voters a chance to legalize electronic bingo. The bill passed the state Senate but died in the House amid revelations of an FBI investigation.
Attorneys for McGregor and 8 other defendants are trying to get Thompson to throw out the charges.
Sam Heldman, an attorney for McGregor, said he was “shocked” that prosecutors argued the hypothetical $10 contribution is illegal. “If that’s a crime, we’re all guilty,” he said.
One of the counts against McGregor involves a $5,000 contribution through lobbyist Bob Geddie that was made to state Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka. Heldman argued that in an earlier conversation between his client and Mask, it was the lawmaker who brought up the contribution.
McGregor, Heldman argued, simply was lobbying for support of the bill.
“What we’re talking about is money in politics,” he said. “Everybody knows there is money in politics. It is not a crime to discuss money in politics.”
Feldman said it is not a crime to “give someone a campaign contribution to inspire them.” He compared the situation to a recent vote to legalize gay marriage in New York state, pointing to a newspaper story that quoted a Republican legislator who voted for the bill after Wall Street financiers said they would be eager to support him if he voted “yes.”
Thompson had tough questions for lawyers on both sides today. While he grilled prosecutors over the intricacies of bribery law, he demanded to know why McGregor was paying $3,000 a month to Ray Crosby, who at the time worked for a government agency that was in charge of drafting legislation for lawmakers.
“I don’t know,” Heldman said.
Thompson asked if a jury could not infer the worst, given the lack of explanation.
Heldman said that the burden is on prosecutors to prove a corrupt intent. He acknowledged that Crosby worked with McGregor on gambling legislation but pointed out that state law authorized that as long as the bill’s sponsor approved it.
“Merely paying him is not a crime, not a federal crime,” he said.
Alabama: Judge to rule on any dropped charges
Gambling corruption trial: Judge to rule on any dropped charges
Written by Sebastian Kitchen
The judge presiding over a high-profile corruption case said he will decide today whether he will toss out any of the charges against nine defendants in the federal trial accusing VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four current or former state senators, and two others of corrupting the legislative process in Alabama to pass gambling legislation.
After hearing more than eight hours of arguments Wednesday from prosecutors and defense attorneys on motions for acquittal and whether there was a conspiracy, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson said he will rule at 8 a.m. today on those motions. He said the trial on remaining charges would continue at 9 a.m.
While leaving the courthouse Wednesday evening, three defense attorneys said that they believe Thompson could drop some of the charges today. At least one attorney was even more optimistic.
"We feel like there is a chance the entire case could be thrown out," said Bill White, an attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, an independent from Slocomb who is a defendant in the case.
Joe Espy, lead attorney for McGregor, said they are optimistic, but expect the case to continue.
Lewis Gillis, an attorney for Sen. Quinton Ross, said Thompson was not clear which way he was leaning Wednesday, but that he could drop some charges and possibly "cut us loose."
All of the attorneys said they are prepared to move forward with their case.
The prosecution rested its case, which charges McGregor and other casino interests with bribing state lawmakers to support legislation that would legalize electronic gambling in the state, on Tuesday after eight weeks. Thompson gave the jury the day off Wednesday and listened to arguments on the motions.
"I think the judge did a very good job of asking the questions that need to be raised," Espy said, adding that Thompson was obviously prepared.
Thompson asked very pointed questions of both sides.
Thompson repeatedly questioned what would happen to the case if he removed legislative analyst Ray Crosby from the conspiracy charge. Crosby, while he was being paid to draft legislation for the Legislature, was also being paid $3,000 a month by McGregor.
(Page 2 of 5)
The judge also questioned how Ross, D-Montgomery, aggressively pushing for campaign contributions made him part of the conspiracy to pass the gambling legislation.
Thompson also seemed uncertain if Bob Geddie, a lobbyist who worked for McGregor who was charged with obstruction of justice, should be charged for changing the ledger, where contributions from clients were recorded, if people could see the original information. Geddie is accused of having an employee change the ledger that listed contributions to reflect that money given to Rep. Barry Mask came from other clients and not McGregor. Prosecutors accuse him of trying to conceal illegal behavior.
"He didn't cover up his tracks well, but he did try to cover up his tracks," said Barak Cohen, a prosecutor with the Public Integrity Section at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jimmy Judkins, an attorney for Geddie, said the original writing was a mistake and pointed out that the original writing could be seen so there was no effort to conceal any changes.
The defendants are McGregor; Crosby; Smith; Ross; Geddie; lobbyist Tom Coker; former state Sens. Jim Preuitt and Larry Means; and former Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker.
Their attorneys tried to demonstrate Wednesday that there was not sufficient evidence to move forward with the case.
Prosecutor Eric Olshan, also with the U.S. Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, said there was a conspiracy among those involved to use bribery to pass gambling legislation.
"Both the fight in the House and Senate was tooth and nail. They needed every vote" for gambling legislation, he said.
Several defense attorneys disagreed, pointing out that some of those involved didn't know each other and that some worked against each other's interests.
"Not only are they not a conspiracy, but they're working in different directions," Coker attorney David McKnight said.
Crosby
Thompson focused many of his questions on Crosby. He questioned why McGregor paid Crosby $3,000 a month.
(Page 3 of 5)
Sam Heldman, an attorney for McGregor, said "we don't know."
"The evidence does not show why Crosby was being paid $3,000 a month," said Tommy Goggans, an attorney for Crosby.
Thompson asked if he could infer that the $3,000 payments to Crosby were to do favors for McGregor.
"We'll. He's not paying him $3,000 a month to do nothing," Thompson said to Goggans.
When asked by the judge if the court could assu]me the worst, Heldman responded "merely paying him is not a crime."
Olshan said McGregor and Crosby knew the payments were wrong because they stopped when the investigation became public and because Crosby did not initially report the income.
Thompson said there is a suspicion of nefarious behavior between McGregor and Crosby, but said he was not sure those activities are the ones outlined in the indictment.
Goggans said Crosby was doing his job and was supposed to work on the legislation.
Legislators can authorize employees of the Legislative Reference Service to work with lobbyists and others outside of the Legislature on bills. Sen. Roger Bedford, the sponsor of the bill, authorized Crosby to work with McGregor, according to testimony.
When asked if Crosby gave favored treatment to McGregor, Goggans said "none whatsoever."
Goggans said, "The way he did (his job) at times would have devastated Mr. McGregor."
Attorneys introduced evidence that demonstrated Crosby drafted legislation that would have hurt McGregor financially.
Olshan said Crosby had motive because if the bill did not pass, "his money train would stop."
Thompson said "$3,000 is a pretty strong quid and doing his job is a pretty strong quo."
Espy said McGregor began paying Crosby as a consultant in May 2008, well before the alleged conspiracy is supposed to have started in February 2009.
Ross
Ross is accused of extorting casino owners and their lobbyists by pushing for campaign contributions leading up to the Senate vote on the gambling bill.
"No one in the world thought Sen. Ross was going to be a 'no' vote," Heldman said.
(Page 4 of 5)
Defense attorneys pointed out that McGregor told Ross he had already given to him, but would encourage his lobbyists to ask their clients to help Ross.
Mark Englehart, an attorney for Ross, asked how the senator could be part of a scheme when others involved would not return his calls. Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley and his lobbyist Jarrod Massey, who have both pleaded guilty, testified that they did not return Ross's calls.
Thompson questioned how there was a quid pro quo with Ross if he was going to vote for the bill anyway.
Olshan said Ross introduced a competing bill in the 2010 legislative session, when there were just enough votes to pass the bill in the Senate.
Olshan pointed to Jennifer Pouncy, a lobbyist for Massey who has also pleaded guilty, saying there were "veiled threats" from Ross that he would not vote for the legislation.
Englehart said the earliest solicitations by Ross of casino owners and their lobbyists, of those at issue in the case, were not during the legislative session, but were in 2009 before the campaign to pass the bill ramped up.
Englehart said "there is nothing illegal about being aggressive and demanding" when asking for contributions.
"It is legitimate campaign fundraising that the government is trying to criminalize," he said of Ross's calls.
Englehart, as the other defense attorneys did, said there was no link to Ross's actions being connected to those of others in the alleged conspiracy.
McGregor
Heldman, as have other McGregor attorneys, said that his client did not try to bribe Mask with a $5,000 contribution, and that McGregor was not aware of a $1 million offer to Sen. Scott Beason and other alleged offers to Preuitt and Means.
Heldman said there was never a discussion of how Mask, R-Wetumpka, would vote.
Geddie and another lobbyist for McGregor delivered two $2,500 checks to a Mask fundraiser the night of a conversation between Mask and McGregor in which they discussed the gambling legislation. McGregor told Mask in a subsequent conversation that he sent the lobbyists to the fundraiser in Tallassee.
(Page 5 of 5)
Thompson said there was circumstantial evidence that McGregor directed Geddie to give Mask the $5,000.
Heldman argued that McGregor did not know about other bribes by Gilley, Massey and Pouncy. But, he said, knowing about a bribe does not constituting aiding and abetting.
Preuitt
Key witnesses for the prosecution, on the witness stand and in wiretapped conversations, have said they offered Preuitt $2 million in campaign contributions, a poll, and other help with his campaign.
Ron Wise, attorney for Preuitt, reminded Thompson of Gilley saying that Preuitt said he did not want his money.
"There is no evidence that anyone offered Jim Preuitt anything in exchange for official action," Wise said.
Pouncy, Gilley and Massey said there was no explicit agreement with Preuitt, Wise said.
Coker
Olshan pointed out that Coker, in wiretapped conversations with McGregor, made references to Gilley and his camp offering country music stars to perform at campaign events for Preuitt.
McKnight said honest services charges against Coker are ridiculous, saying his client is charged with checks being mailed to Crosby, phone calls by McGregor, and the actions of other defendants.
Written by Sebastian Kitchen
The judge presiding over a high-profile corruption case said he will decide today whether he will toss out any of the charges against nine defendants in the federal trial accusing VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four current or former state senators, and two others of corrupting the legislative process in Alabama to pass gambling legislation.
After hearing more than eight hours of arguments Wednesday from prosecutors and defense attorneys on motions for acquittal and whether there was a conspiracy, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson said he will rule at 8 a.m. today on those motions. He said the trial on remaining charges would continue at 9 a.m.
While leaving the courthouse Wednesday evening, three defense attorneys said that they believe Thompson could drop some of the charges today. At least one attorney was even more optimistic.
"We feel like there is a chance the entire case could be thrown out," said Bill White, an attorney for Sen. Harri Anne Smith, an independent from Slocomb who is a defendant in the case.
Joe Espy, lead attorney for McGregor, said they are optimistic, but expect the case to continue.
Lewis Gillis, an attorney for Sen. Quinton Ross, said Thompson was not clear which way he was leaning Wednesday, but that he could drop some charges and possibly "cut us loose."
All of the attorneys said they are prepared to move forward with their case.
The prosecution rested its case, which charges McGregor and other casino interests with bribing state lawmakers to support legislation that would legalize electronic gambling in the state, on Tuesday after eight weeks. Thompson gave the jury the day off Wednesday and listened to arguments on the motions.
"I think the judge did a very good job of asking the questions that need to be raised," Espy said, adding that Thompson was obviously prepared.
Thompson asked very pointed questions of both sides.
Thompson repeatedly questioned what would happen to the case if he removed legislative analyst Ray Crosby from the conspiracy charge. Crosby, while he was being paid to draft legislation for the Legislature, was also being paid $3,000 a month by McGregor.
(Page 2 of 5)
The judge also questioned how Ross, D-Montgomery, aggressively pushing for campaign contributions made him part of the conspiracy to pass the gambling legislation.
Thompson also seemed uncertain if Bob Geddie, a lobbyist who worked for McGregor who was charged with obstruction of justice, should be charged for changing the ledger, where contributions from clients were recorded, if people could see the original information. Geddie is accused of having an employee change the ledger that listed contributions to reflect that money given to Rep. Barry Mask came from other clients and not McGregor. Prosecutors accuse him of trying to conceal illegal behavior.
"He didn't cover up his tracks well, but he did try to cover up his tracks," said Barak Cohen, a prosecutor with the Public Integrity Section at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jimmy Judkins, an attorney for Geddie, said the original writing was a mistake and pointed out that the original writing could be seen so there was no effort to conceal any changes.
The defendants are McGregor; Crosby; Smith; Ross; Geddie; lobbyist Tom Coker; former state Sens. Jim Preuitt and Larry Means; and former Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker.
Their attorneys tried to demonstrate Wednesday that there was not sufficient evidence to move forward with the case.
Prosecutor Eric Olshan, also with the U.S. Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section, said there was a conspiracy among those involved to use bribery to pass gambling legislation.
"Both the fight in the House and Senate was tooth and nail. They needed every vote" for gambling legislation, he said.
Several defense attorneys disagreed, pointing out that some of those involved didn't know each other and that some worked against each other's interests.
"Not only are they not a conspiracy, but they're working in different directions," Coker attorney David McKnight said.
Crosby
Thompson focused many of his questions on Crosby. He questioned why McGregor paid Crosby $3,000 a month.
(Page 3 of 5)
Sam Heldman, an attorney for McGregor, said "we don't know."
"The evidence does not show why Crosby was being paid $3,000 a month," said Tommy Goggans, an attorney for Crosby.
Thompson asked if he could infer that the $3,000 payments to Crosby were to do favors for McGregor.
"We'll. He's not paying him $3,000 a month to do nothing," Thompson said to Goggans.
When asked by the judge if the court could assu]me the worst, Heldman responded "merely paying him is not a crime."
Olshan said McGregor and Crosby knew the payments were wrong because they stopped when the investigation became public and because Crosby did not initially report the income.
Thompson said there is a suspicion of nefarious behavior between McGregor and Crosby, but said he was not sure those activities are the ones outlined in the indictment.
Goggans said Crosby was doing his job and was supposed to work on the legislation.
Legislators can authorize employees of the Legislative Reference Service to work with lobbyists and others outside of the Legislature on bills. Sen. Roger Bedford, the sponsor of the bill, authorized Crosby to work with McGregor, according to testimony.
When asked if Crosby gave favored treatment to McGregor, Goggans said "none whatsoever."
Goggans said, "The way he did (his job) at times would have devastated Mr. McGregor."
Attorneys introduced evidence that demonstrated Crosby drafted legislation that would have hurt McGregor financially.
Olshan said Crosby had motive because if the bill did not pass, "his money train would stop."
Thompson said "$3,000 is a pretty strong quid and doing his job is a pretty strong quo."
Espy said McGregor began paying Crosby as a consultant in May 2008, well before the alleged conspiracy is supposed to have started in February 2009.
Ross
Ross is accused of extorting casino owners and their lobbyists by pushing for campaign contributions leading up to the Senate vote on the gambling bill.
"No one in the world thought Sen. Ross was going to be a 'no' vote," Heldman said.
(Page 4 of 5)
Defense attorneys pointed out that McGregor told Ross he had already given to him, but would encourage his lobbyists to ask their clients to help Ross.
Mark Englehart, an attorney for Ross, asked how the senator could be part of a scheme when others involved would not return his calls. Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley and his lobbyist Jarrod Massey, who have both pleaded guilty, testified that they did not return Ross's calls.
Thompson questioned how there was a quid pro quo with Ross if he was going to vote for the bill anyway.
Olshan said Ross introduced a competing bill in the 2010 legislative session, when there were just enough votes to pass the bill in the Senate.
Olshan pointed to Jennifer Pouncy, a lobbyist for Massey who has also pleaded guilty, saying there were "veiled threats" from Ross that he would not vote for the legislation.
Englehart said the earliest solicitations by Ross of casino owners and their lobbyists, of those at issue in the case, were not during the legislative session, but were in 2009 before the campaign to pass the bill ramped up.
Englehart said "there is nothing illegal about being aggressive and demanding" when asking for contributions.
"It is legitimate campaign fundraising that the government is trying to criminalize," he said of Ross's calls.
Englehart, as the other defense attorneys did, said there was no link to Ross's actions being connected to those of others in the alleged conspiracy.
McGregor
Heldman, as have other McGregor attorneys, said that his client did not try to bribe Mask with a $5,000 contribution, and that McGregor was not aware of a $1 million offer to Sen. Scott Beason and other alleged offers to Preuitt and Means.
Heldman said there was never a discussion of how Mask, R-Wetumpka, would vote.
Geddie and another lobbyist for McGregor delivered two $2,500 checks to a Mask fundraiser the night of a conversation between Mask and McGregor in which they discussed the gambling legislation. McGregor told Mask in a subsequent conversation that he sent the lobbyists to the fundraiser in Tallassee.
(Page 5 of 5)
Thompson said there was circumstantial evidence that McGregor directed Geddie to give Mask the $5,000.
Heldman argued that McGregor did not know about other bribes by Gilley, Massey and Pouncy. But, he said, knowing about a bribe does not constituting aiding and abetting.
Preuitt
Key witnesses for the prosecution, on the witness stand and in wiretapped conversations, have said they offered Preuitt $2 million in campaign contributions, a poll, and other help with his campaign.
Ron Wise, attorney for Preuitt, reminded Thompson of Gilley saying that Preuitt said he did not want his money.
"There is no evidence that anyone offered Jim Preuitt anything in exchange for official action," Wise said.
Pouncy, Gilley and Massey said there was no explicit agreement with Preuitt, Wise said.
Coker
Olshan pointed out that Coker, in wiretapped conversations with McGregor, made references to Gilley and his camp offering country music stars to perform at campaign events for Preuitt.
McKnight said honest services charges against Coker are ridiculous, saying his client is charged with checks being mailed to Crosby, phone calls by McGregor, and the actions of other defendants.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Alabama: Bingo corruption trial looks like David and Goliath
Steve Flowers describes a pathetic political environment in which vote buying seems to reign and flamoyant defense attorneys more significant than evidence:
Bingo corruption trial looks like David and Goliath
Inside the Statehouse
By Steve Flowers
The North Jefferson News The North Jefferson News
COMMENTARY — The sensational political gambling trial continues to play out in Montgomery. The scene is analogous to a theater production. The show is a blend of Broadway and Hollywood that resembles a movie based on a John Grisham novel.
As the trial drones on in the Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Federal Courthouse, it is apparent that, as predicted, it will last at least three months. It began on June 6, and has now been playing for eight weeks. We are only at about intermission. It will probably not close until after Labor Day.
Allow me to share some observations and highlights of the saga or soap opera from Montgomery. My first observation is that the audience for the show is made up primarily of Montgomerians, as is usually the case in Alabama politics. The folks in the Capital City are much more attuned to state politics than the rest of the state. My guess is that the good people of Huntsville or Sand Mountain are completely unaware of the trial, or could care less.
Even the Birmingham media is not totally enthralled with the happenings of the case. They always have their own corruption to cover. They are tittering on bankruptcy due to overt, massive and pervasive fraud and greed perpetrated by their public officials. They observe all politics and politicians with a jaundiced eye after their experiences.
This Montgomery-only interest is exemplified by a cursory look at the television stations covering the trial. Every day there are three television trucks with reporters outside the courthouse. Two of them are from Montgomery and one is from Birmingham. There are none from Huntsville or Mobile or anywhere else.
Another caveat that accentuates the trial being a Montgomery-only event is that all of the jurors are from the city, or the River Regions surrounding it. Due to protocol in the Middle District, the pool of prospective jurors was made up of only people from the middle part of that district. As would be expected, the jury mirrors Montgomery demographically.
The most glaring observation is the disparity between the legal talent amassed by the defendants, versus the paltry team assembled by the federal government. The young, inexperienced lawyers shipped in to do battle with the plethora of legal acumen and experience assembled by the defendants could be likened to David versus Goliath.
Because it is summertime and baseball season, a more accurate comparison would be like pitting the Montgomery Biscuits against the New York Yankees. The best defense lawyers in Alabama are pitching for the defense.
On the mound and in the bullpen are the likes of Joe Espy, Bobby Segall and Fred Gray pitching for Milton McGregor. Tom Coker has Bill Baxley. Quinton Ross has Lewis Gillis. Larry Means brought in the famous criminal defense lawyer Bill Clark from Birmingham. Jim Preuitt has Ron Wise.
The most flamboyant and colorful of the Dream Team is Jim Parkman, who represents Harri Ann Smith. Parkman earned his spurs by hurling a perfect game in Birmingham a few years ago when he got the infamous Richard Scrushy cleared of vast fraud charges. Espy and Parkman are fabulous. They are a show to behold. They are brilliant and the jury loves them.
At the end of the day it will all boil down to one key issue: is a campaign contribution a bribe? A total misnomer in this entire scenario was that the prosecution had no evidence of any bribe being offered or accepted by anyone, only the innuendo of a campaign contribution offered by Ronnie Gilley and Jarrod Massey.
Gilley is the ultimate creepy con man. He has already pleaded guilty, along with his lobbyist Jarrod Massey. Gilley and Massey have been the only ones implicated. They are not very credible witnesses. Gilley is not only sleazy and scurrilous, but makes no excuses for the fact that he is a compulsive liar and crook. He even acknowledges his lack of character on the stand.
Gilley’s taped conversations played to the jury are interlaced with continuous diatribes of vulgar despicable language that would make a sailor blush. His explicit off-color sexual discussions could not be playing well with the almost all-female jury. In fact, every minute Gilley is on the stand hurts the prosecution’s case.
The irony is that the lackluster prosecution lawyers chose to cut a deal with Gilley to get him to testify on their behalf. After the jury watches Gilley and his lackey Massey, who arrives to testify shackled and dressed in a prison jumpsuit, you have to wonder where these federal lawyers from Washington went to law school.
See you next week.
Alabama: Prosecution rests in Vote Buying trial
Prosecutors rest in Ala gambling corruption trial
By BOB JOHNSON
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- After more than eight weeks of testimony, federal prosecutors rested their case Tuesday against nine people including a casino owner and lawmakers in what prosecutors say was a scheme to buy and sell votes on a bill to legalize electronic bingo in Alabama.
Defendants will get their turn on Thursday to present their side in the trial that has rocked the State house.
Prosecutors based much of their case on wiretaps of defendants' phones and recordings made with hidden devices worn by cooperating legislators.
Prosecutor Steve Feaga has contended that casino owners attempted to buy votes to pass an amendment to legalize electronic bingo at defendant Milton McGregor's Victoryland in Macon County and Ronnie Gilley's Country Crossing among other locations. At the same time, then-Gov. Bob Riley was using an anti-gambling task force to shut down gambling halls.
The legislation passed the Senate in March 2010, then died in the House after the FBI revealed a widespread investigation into government corruption.
Some of the final testimony Tuesday concerned phone records that showed McGregor and Gilley were keeping in close touch with their lobbyists in the days leading up to the Senate vote.
FBI agent Nathan Langmark testified there were 172 phone calls during 100 days of the legislative session between phones associated with McGregor and those of his indicted lobbyist Tom Coker. He said there were 586 calls between Gilley, who has pleaded guilty in the case, and his lobbyist Jarrod Massey. Gilley and Massey both pleaded guilty.
The final evidence entered before prosecutors rested showed how McGregor was hurt financially by Riley's effort to shut down the electronic bingo games. According the federal income tax filings, McGregor personally had gross income of $28.3 million in 2009 and his business made $40.2 million. In 2010, after he had to shut many of his operations, McGregor personally lost $2.5 million and his business lost $4.8 million.
Gambling operators profited from electronic bingo machines for several years until the task force labeled them illegal slots and began closing all casinos in early 2010. Gambling operators pushed the constitutional amendment to protect their halls and allow more to open.
Arrests came in October, when a federal grand jury charged that millions in bribes were offered through campaign contributions and contracts. Defendants face several charges including conspiracy, federal program bribery and honest services mail and wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson sent jurors home after prosecutors rested and said he would spend much of Wednesday hearing arguments from defense attorneys seeking to have charges dismissed against their clients.
Thompson indicated he would likely not drop charges against McGregor, once Alabama's largest casino owner, and most other defendants, which include four current and former lawmakers and two of state's most influential lobbyists, who worked for McGregor.
He said he wants to hear arguments about how the government says former Legislative Reference Service employee Ray Crosby was tied to the conspiracy to sell votes.
FBI forensic accountant Phillip Harrod testified that bank records show that $72,000 was paid to Crosby from the Macon County Greyhound Park between June 2008 and April 2010. Crosby was the Legislature's lead attorney in writing the gambling legislation and prosecutors say the money was paid in violation of legislative rules to influence him.
"I would like to hear what the evidence is to Mr. Crosby being part of the conspiracy," Thompson said.
He said he also wanted to hear more about how indicted former state Sen. Jim Preuitt was involved in the conspiracy.
Country Crossing lobbyist Jennifer Pouncey, who pleaded guilty, testified earlier in the trial that she offered Preuitt a $2 million campaign contribution to vote for the gambling bill, but under cross examination said he never committed to vote for the bill in exchange for the contribution. Preuitt later decided not to run for re-election.
Besides McGregor, Coker, Crosby and Preuitt, also on trial are:
_ McGregor lobbyist Bob Geddie;
_ Jarrell W. "Jay" Walker Jr. of Lanett, Ala., a former employee of Gilley;
_ Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb, independent state senator;
_ Larry P. Means of Attalla, former Democratic state senator;
_ Quinton T. Ross Jr. of Montgomery, Democratic state senator.
By BOB JOHNSON
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- After more than eight weeks of testimony, federal prosecutors rested their case Tuesday against nine people including a casino owner and lawmakers in what prosecutors say was a scheme to buy and sell votes on a bill to legalize electronic bingo in Alabama.
Defendants will get their turn on Thursday to present their side in the trial that has rocked the State house.
Prosecutors based much of their case on wiretaps of defendants' phones and recordings made with hidden devices worn by cooperating legislators.
Prosecutor Steve Feaga has contended that casino owners attempted to buy votes to pass an amendment to legalize electronic bingo at defendant Milton McGregor's Victoryland in Macon County and Ronnie Gilley's Country Crossing among other locations. At the same time, then-Gov. Bob Riley was using an anti-gambling task force to shut down gambling halls.
The legislation passed the Senate in March 2010, then died in the House after the FBI revealed a widespread investigation into government corruption.
Some of the final testimony Tuesday concerned phone records that showed McGregor and Gilley were keeping in close touch with their lobbyists in the days leading up to the Senate vote.
FBI agent Nathan Langmark testified there were 172 phone calls during 100 days of the legislative session between phones associated with McGregor and those of his indicted lobbyist Tom Coker. He said there were 586 calls between Gilley, who has pleaded guilty in the case, and his lobbyist Jarrod Massey. Gilley and Massey both pleaded guilty.
The final evidence entered before prosecutors rested showed how McGregor was hurt financially by Riley's effort to shut down the electronic bingo games. According the federal income tax filings, McGregor personally had gross income of $28.3 million in 2009 and his business made $40.2 million. In 2010, after he had to shut many of his operations, McGregor personally lost $2.5 million and his business lost $4.8 million.
Gambling operators profited from electronic bingo machines for several years until the task force labeled them illegal slots and began closing all casinos in early 2010. Gambling operators pushed the constitutional amendment to protect their halls and allow more to open.
Arrests came in October, when a federal grand jury charged that millions in bribes were offered through campaign contributions and contracts. Defendants face several charges including conspiracy, federal program bribery and honest services mail and wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson sent jurors home after prosecutors rested and said he would spend much of Wednesday hearing arguments from defense attorneys seeking to have charges dismissed against their clients.
Thompson indicated he would likely not drop charges against McGregor, once Alabama's largest casino owner, and most other defendants, which include four current and former lawmakers and two of state's most influential lobbyists, who worked for McGregor.
He said he wants to hear arguments about how the government says former Legislative Reference Service employee Ray Crosby was tied to the conspiracy to sell votes.
FBI forensic accountant Phillip Harrod testified that bank records show that $72,000 was paid to Crosby from the Macon County Greyhound Park between June 2008 and April 2010. Crosby was the Legislature's lead attorney in writing the gambling legislation and prosecutors say the money was paid in violation of legislative rules to influence him.
"I would like to hear what the evidence is to Mr. Crosby being part of the conspiracy," Thompson said.
He said he also wanted to hear more about how indicted former state Sen. Jim Preuitt was involved in the conspiracy.
Country Crossing lobbyist Jennifer Pouncey, who pleaded guilty, testified earlier in the trial that she offered Preuitt a $2 million campaign contribution to vote for the gambling bill, but under cross examination said he never committed to vote for the bill in exchange for the contribution. Preuitt later decided not to run for re-election.
Besides McGregor, Coker, Crosby and Preuitt, also on trial are:
_ McGregor lobbyist Bob Geddie;
_ Jarrell W. "Jay" Walker Jr. of Lanett, Ala., a former employee of Gilley;
_ Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb, independent state senator;
_ Larry P. Means of Attalla, former Democratic state senator;
_ Quinton T. Ross Jr. of Montgomery, Democratic state senator.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Name That Loan!
From our friends at Casino-Free Philadelphia:
You know the phrases like "driving while black" or "death tax"? When you hear these phrases, you understand the basis of the issue, and the opinion of the person talking.
We need this kind of phrase for our new campaign to stop SugarHouse from giving out loans on the casino floor. Having a solid phrase for the casino's loans will help us convey how morally bankrupt SugarHouse is for selling these loans in the first place.
We've brainstormed a list of five we think are pretty good, but we need your help to pick the best.
Vote on your favorite name for SugarHouse's loans now!
Sucker Punch Loans? Black Hole Loans? Quicksand Loans? We have these and a couple of others, or you can suggest your own.
Take 30 seconds and help us determine the phrase that helps us talk about this campaign in a clear and simple way.
Then share it with friends, and ask them to vote as well. We'll use the most compelling phrase as part of our campaign to Philadelphians -- and SugarHouse investors -- about why these predatory loans are so bad for our city.
Thanks for lending a hand to get the campaign off the ground!
--Kaytee, Ivan, Shandra, Francesca, Dan, Rich and the rest of the Casino-Free team
P.S. We still need to raise another $2000 to reach our goal and launch this campaign. Make a $35 donation today! Together, we can force SugarHouse to stop giving out these shameful loans.
You know the phrases like "driving while black" or "death tax"? When you hear these phrases, you understand the basis of the issue, and the opinion of the person talking.
We need this kind of phrase for our new campaign to stop SugarHouse from giving out loans on the casino floor. Having a solid phrase for the casino's loans will help us convey how morally bankrupt SugarHouse is for selling these loans in the first place.
We've brainstormed a list of five we think are pretty good, but we need your help to pick the best.
Vote on your favorite name for SugarHouse's loans now!
Sucker Punch Loans? Black Hole Loans? Quicksand Loans? We have these and a couple of others, or you can suggest your own.
Take 30 seconds and help us determine the phrase that helps us talk about this campaign in a clear and simple way.
Then share it with friends, and ask them to vote as well. We'll use the most compelling phrase as part of our campaign to Philadelphians -- and SugarHouse investors -- about why these predatory loans are so bad for our city.
Thanks for lending a hand to get the campaign off the ground!
--Kaytee, Ivan, Shandra, Francesca, Dan, Rich and the rest of the Casino-Free team
P.S. We still need to raise another $2000 to reach our goal and launch this campaign. Make a $35 donation today! Together, we can force SugarHouse to stop giving out these shameful loans.
Gambling Industry Contributes Big in Illinois
Gambling Industry Contributes Big in Illinois
Mark Wachtler, Chicago Independent Examiner
Chicago. The Chicago Tribune released excerpts of a study done by the paper detailing the money given to Illinois politicians by the gambling industry yesterday. The report also looked at the correlation between those elected officials who received money and those who didn’t, versus those who voted for the massive expansion of gambling in Illinois and those who didn’t. What they found since the beginning of 2010 wasn’t surprising.
According to the numbers released in yesterday’s Sunday Chicago Tribune, nearly 75 percent of Illinois state legislators who received funding from gambling companies and their lobbyists also voted in favor of the largest gambling expansion in Illinois history. And to add profit to politics, those that voted in favor of the massive gambling bill also received an average of 60 percent more money than those who refused to help the gambling industry expand in Illinois.
The report showed that the gambling industry wasn’t partisan either. They gave to Republicans and Democrats alike. Not surprisingly, party leaders received the most during the past 18 months. Here are the top recipients of gambling contributions over that time period:
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) - $122,200
Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) - $91,500
House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) - $75,034
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) - $73,953
House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) - $54,400.
Other high-ranking government officials who also received gambling money including Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
While critics argue that such contributions should be illegal as in some other states, gambling industry lobbyists argue differently. The Tribune quotes Wade Duty, executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association saying, “Donations come with the expectation of access, but not support. It will likely grant you a greater degree of influence.” Louisiana banned gambling contributions in the mid-1990’s. Six states in all ban such donations.
Other critics of gambling expansion have added their voices also, some from the past. Most upsetting to Chicago residents is the legalization of neighborhood gambling – slot machines inside every store, bar, restaurant and club. It’s called ‘convenience gambling’ and anti-gambling activists cite it as the most destructive form of the addictive pastime.
Slate.com describes it like this, “Experts deplore convenience gambling. It is extremely dangerous to addicts. Every trip to the store becomes a temptation. Video poker, which is fast and requires skill, is known as "video crack" because it is by far the most addictive form of gambling.”
They went on to say, “Most alarmingly, convenience gambling exacts huge social costs in the form of addiction and financial hardship without providing any economic benefit. Unlike casino gambling, convenience gambling does not bring with it hotels, restaurants, tourists, or good jobs.” "There is no pretense that this is about tourism or about a nice night out or this is entertainment. This is hard-core, grab-the-paycheck gambling" said Tom Grey, founder of the National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion.
GamblingExposed.org also gives us the following statistics regarding neighborhood gambling:
Bankruptcy rates average approximately 18 percent higher in casino communities.
Local businesses, especially restaurants, will show a significant decrease in sales.
Gambling addictions will increase by approximately 10 percent within a 50 mile radius.
Social costs of gambling consume at least $3 for every $1 generated.
While critics and supporters alike argue over the merits of expanded gambling in Chicago and throughout Illinois, the state legislature will continue to wait for Senate President Cullerton to release the gambling expansion legislation. While the bill has already been passed by both houses, Cullerton has refused to release it to Governor Quinn for his signature, or possible veto. While supportive of expanded gambling in Illinois, the Governor has publically denounced the massive level of the expansion. Whether or not the Governor vetoes the legislation remains to be seen.
Mark Wachtler, Chicago Independent Examiner
Chicago. The Chicago Tribune released excerpts of a study done by the paper detailing the money given to Illinois politicians by the gambling industry yesterday. The report also looked at the correlation between those elected officials who received money and those who didn’t, versus those who voted for the massive expansion of gambling in Illinois and those who didn’t. What they found since the beginning of 2010 wasn’t surprising.
According to the numbers released in yesterday’s Sunday Chicago Tribune, nearly 75 percent of Illinois state legislators who received funding from gambling companies and their lobbyists also voted in favor of the largest gambling expansion in Illinois history. And to add profit to politics, those that voted in favor of the massive gambling bill also received an average of 60 percent more money than those who refused to help the gambling industry expand in Illinois.
The report showed that the gambling industry wasn’t partisan either. They gave to Republicans and Democrats alike. Not surprisingly, party leaders received the most during the past 18 months. Here are the top recipients of gambling contributions over that time period:
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) - $122,200
Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) - $91,500
House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) - $75,034
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) - $73,953
House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) - $54,400.
Other high-ranking government officials who also received gambling money including Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
While critics argue that such contributions should be illegal as in some other states, gambling industry lobbyists argue differently. The Tribune quotes Wade Duty, executive director of the Louisiana Casino Association saying, “Donations come with the expectation of access, but not support. It will likely grant you a greater degree of influence.” Louisiana banned gambling contributions in the mid-1990’s. Six states in all ban such donations.
Other critics of gambling expansion have added their voices also, some from the past. Most upsetting to Chicago residents is the legalization of neighborhood gambling – slot machines inside every store, bar, restaurant and club. It’s called ‘convenience gambling’ and anti-gambling activists cite it as the most destructive form of the addictive pastime.
Slate.com describes it like this, “Experts deplore convenience gambling. It is extremely dangerous to addicts. Every trip to the store becomes a temptation. Video poker, which is fast and requires skill, is known as "video crack" because it is by far the most addictive form of gambling.”
They went on to say, “Most alarmingly, convenience gambling exacts huge social costs in the form of addiction and financial hardship without providing any economic benefit. Unlike casino gambling, convenience gambling does not bring with it hotels, restaurants, tourists, or good jobs.” "There is no pretense that this is about tourism or about a nice night out or this is entertainment. This is hard-core, grab-the-paycheck gambling" said Tom Grey, founder of the National Coalition Against Gambling Expansion.
GamblingExposed.org also gives us the following statistics regarding neighborhood gambling:
Bankruptcy rates average approximately 18 percent higher in casino communities.
Local businesses, especially restaurants, will show a significant decrease in sales.
Gambling addictions will increase by approximately 10 percent within a 50 mile radius.
Social costs of gambling consume at least $3 for every $1 generated.
While critics and supporters alike argue over the merits of expanded gambling in Chicago and throughout Illinois, the state legislature will continue to wait for Senate President Cullerton to release the gambling expansion legislation. While the bill has already been passed by both houses, Cullerton has refused to release it to Governor Quinn for his signature, or possible veto. While supportive of expanded gambling in Illinois, the Governor has publically denounced the massive level of the expansion. Whether or not the Governor vetoes the legislation remains to be seen.
Alabama: Government calls McGregor conspiracy kingpin
Government calls McGregor conspiracy kingpin
By Lance Griffin
In response to what is expected to be a flurry of motions from the defense for acquittal in the ongoing gambling corruption trial, attorneys for the government have filed a 21-page brief outlining what they believe the evidence has shown in the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution is expected to rest Monday after the testimony of two additional records witnesses. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told the jury to expect a day off Tuesday while he hears motions from the defendants, who plan to argue that some or all of the counts should be dismissed because they believe the government failed to make its case.
The government’s brief outlinedwhat it believes was the role of all nine remaining defendants in the case, starting with McGregor.
The evidence admitted at trial establishes that defendant McGregor was not only a coconspirator, but the conspiracy’s kingpin,” states the government brief, written by Eric Olshan. “Evidence shows that defendant McGregor believed that anti-gambling political efforts threatened his significant investment in Victoryland. Driven by this financial desperation, McGregor believed that his very ‘survival’ depended on the legalization of electronic bingo in the State of Alabama.”
Below is a summary of the government’s brief as it relates to the other defendants’ roles in the alleged conspiracy.
Lobbyist Tom Coker
The government believes Coker served as a go-between, carrying forward illicit offers from McGregor to legislators, including Sens. Jim Preuitt and Larry Means by visiting them to secure McGregor’s commitments.
Lobbyist Robert Geddie
The government refers to Geddie as McGregor’s “bagman”, claiming he carried two $5,000 checks to a fundraiser for Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka, hours after McGregor had a conversation with Mask about gambling legislation and campaign contributions. Then, the government claims Geddie attempted to hide the source of the money by removing McGregor’s name from Geddie’s contribution ledger.
“Defendant Geddie’s efforts to conceal the corrupt nature of the payment provides evidence of Geddie’s and McGregor's criminal intent,” the brief states.
Sen. Jim Preuitt
The government asserts Preuitt was the subject of several illegal offers. Lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy testified she relayed an offer of $2 million for Preuitt’s re-election campaign from her boss, Jarrod Massey, hours after Preuitt voted against gambling interests in a procedural bingo vote March 3, 2010. Massey and Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley also testified they committed country music stars to participate in campaign appearances, and committed to pay for a poll for Preuitt’s campaign.
Sen. Larry Means
Lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy testified that Means asked her for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for his bingo vote. Pouncy also testified that Coker and others had worked together to secure other deals from other gambling interests if he voted in favor of Senate Bill 380. Means voted present on the March 3, 2010, procedural vote, but voted yes on passage of the bill March 30.
Sen. Quinton Ross
“Testimony from Pouncy, Gilley, and Massey makes clear that in the months and days leading up to a vote on SB380 defendant Ross actively solicited campaign contributions in connection with such legislation,” the government brief states.
Sen. Harri Anne Smith
The government refers to Smith as a “key figure” in the conspiracy.
“In exchange for her official actions, Gilley helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct and in-kind campaign contributions to defendant Smith’s campaign beginning in December, 2009,” the government brief states. “… Throughout the life of the conspiracy, defendant Smith was beholden to (Gilley) and was willing to sell her votes and seek the votes of other legislators.”
Jay Walker
Walker, who served as Country Crossing’s spokesperson, worked with Gilley and others to secure the vote of Sen. Jim Preuitt by offering to assist in Preuitt’s campaign by paying for a poll and by relaying illegal offers from Gilley, according to the government.
“Although defendant Walker did not play as central a role in the conspiracy, the evidence nonetheless establishes that he was more than willing to do whatever it took to pass SB380,” the brief states.
Ray Crosby
Crosby worked as a legislative analyst in the Legislative Reference Service. The government believes he was paid $3,000 a month by McGregor to place language in gambling bills that favored McGregor.
By Lance Griffin
In response to what is expected to be a flurry of motions from the defense for acquittal in the ongoing gambling corruption trial, attorneys for the government have filed a 21-page brief outlining what they believe the evidence has shown in the prosecution’s case.
The prosecution is expected to rest Monday after the testimony of two additional records witnesses. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson told the jury to expect a day off Tuesday while he hears motions from the defendants, who plan to argue that some or all of the counts should be dismissed because they believe the government failed to make its case.
The government’s brief outlinedwhat it believes was the role of all nine remaining defendants in the case, starting with McGregor.
The evidence admitted at trial establishes that defendant McGregor was not only a coconspirator, but the conspiracy’s kingpin,” states the government brief, written by Eric Olshan. “Evidence shows that defendant McGregor believed that anti-gambling political efforts threatened his significant investment in Victoryland. Driven by this financial desperation, McGregor believed that his very ‘survival’ depended on the legalization of electronic bingo in the State of Alabama.”
Below is a summary of the government’s brief as it relates to the other defendants’ roles in the alleged conspiracy.
Lobbyist Tom Coker
The government believes Coker served as a go-between, carrying forward illicit offers from McGregor to legislators, including Sens. Jim Preuitt and Larry Means by visiting them to secure McGregor’s commitments.
Lobbyist Robert Geddie
The government refers to Geddie as McGregor’s “bagman”, claiming he carried two $5,000 checks to a fundraiser for Rep. Barry Mask, R-Wetumpka, hours after McGregor had a conversation with Mask about gambling legislation and campaign contributions. Then, the government claims Geddie attempted to hide the source of the money by removing McGregor’s name from Geddie’s contribution ledger.
“Defendant Geddie’s efforts to conceal the corrupt nature of the payment provides evidence of Geddie’s and McGregor's criminal intent,” the brief states.
Sen. Jim Preuitt
The government asserts Preuitt was the subject of several illegal offers. Lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy testified she relayed an offer of $2 million for Preuitt’s re-election campaign from her boss, Jarrod Massey, hours after Preuitt voted against gambling interests in a procedural bingo vote March 3, 2010. Massey and Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley also testified they committed country music stars to participate in campaign appearances, and committed to pay for a poll for Preuitt’s campaign.
Sen. Larry Means
Lobbyist Jennifer Pouncy testified that Means asked her for a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for his bingo vote. Pouncy also testified that Coker and others had worked together to secure other deals from other gambling interests if he voted in favor of Senate Bill 380. Means voted present on the March 3, 2010, procedural vote, but voted yes on passage of the bill March 30.
Sen. Quinton Ross
“Testimony from Pouncy, Gilley, and Massey makes clear that in the months and days leading up to a vote on SB380 defendant Ross actively solicited campaign contributions in connection with such legislation,” the government brief states.
Sen. Harri Anne Smith
The government refers to Smith as a “key figure” in the conspiracy.
“In exchange for her official actions, Gilley helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct and in-kind campaign contributions to defendant Smith’s campaign beginning in December, 2009,” the government brief states. “… Throughout the life of the conspiracy, defendant Smith was beholden to (Gilley) and was willing to sell her votes and seek the votes of other legislators.”
Jay Walker
Walker, who served as Country Crossing’s spokesperson, worked with Gilley and others to secure the vote of Sen. Jim Preuitt by offering to assist in Preuitt’s campaign by paying for a poll and by relaying illegal offers from Gilley, according to the government.
“Although defendant Walker did not play as central a role in the conspiracy, the evidence nonetheless establishes that he was more than willing to do whatever it took to pass SB380,” the brief states.
Ray Crosby
Crosby worked as a legislative analyst in the Legislative Reference Service. The government believes he was paid $3,000 a month by McGregor to place language in gambling bills that favored McGregor.
Alabama: Defense: Prosecutors have not made case
Defense: Prosecutors have not made case
Written by Sebastian Kitchen
Defense attorneys said Monday that federal prosecutors have not put together a sound case against nine defendants accused of corruption and that they will ask the judge to drop the charges against their clients today.
Federal prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case this morning. Then outside the hearing of the jury, defense attorneys will make arguments to the judge on why their clients should be acquitted.
The defense would then have the opportunity beginning Wednesday to present witnesses to try to dispel whatever charges remain.
"We think they've failed to meet the burden," said Joe Espy, lead attorney for VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor.
McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four current or former state senators, a casino spokesman, and an attorney for the Legislature are on trial for their alleged roles in a scheme in which casino operators tried to bribe state lawmakers to pass gambling legislation.
"So much of this case is left to speculation and innuendo," said Susan James, attorney for Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker.
Lewis Gillis, an attorney for state Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, said the prosecution has "proven simply that legislators will make calls repeatedly to a contributor."
Espy said the prosecution was struggling late in its case and was trying to introduce documents it has had for weeks.
Moving millions
An accountant for the FBI discussed some of those documents, outlining millions of dollars moved between Alabama casino owners, between political campaigns and committees, and into the checking accounts of defendants in the case.
FBI forensic accountant Philip Harrod outlined wire transfers and checks totaling $14.5 million from McGregor to Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley between January 2009 and February 2010.
McGregor and Gilley entered into a consulting agreement on Jan. 22, 2009, the day before the wire transfers began. McGregor's attorneys have said it was a legal business transaction and that McGregor was never paid what he was owed.
(Page 2 of 3)
McGregor, according to the contracts discussed earlier in the case, would receive 14 percent of the earnings at Country Crossing and that was increased to 20 percent as he loaned more to the casino. Espy said McGregor's percentage of nothing is -- nothing.
Shannon Holliday, another attorney for McGregor, brought up Gilley saying he had $160 million in debt so the $14 million from McGregor would be less than 10 percent of that.
Gilley and two of his lobbyists, Jarrod Massey and Jennifer Pouncy, have pleaded guilty in the case.
The accountant also outlined monthly payments of $3,000 from McGregor to the account of former legislative analyst and attorney Ray Crosby, another defendant, from June 2008 until April 2010 totaling $72,000. The documents included Crosby's bank statements from Regions bank and the checks from the Macon County Greyhound Park signed by McGregor.
Harrod also helped to outline 104 checks signed by McGregor written from the accounts of his greyhound parks in Jefferson and Macon counties totaling $1,924,000 that were directed to various political action committees in the state. The checks, 52 from each track, were written Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2009, and each sent checks to 52 different PACs. Each check was for $18,500.
The accountant also said that state Sen. Harri Anne Smith, an independent from Slocomb, received $15,000 from McGregor on March 10, 2010, and another $10,000 that same week from a PAC funded by McGregor.
Harrod, when asked by Smith attorney Jim Parkman, said the face of the checks would not indicate they came from McGregor.
Then-state Sen. Larry Means, D-Attalla, and Ross also each received $25,000 from McGregor for their 2010 re-election campaigns. Smith, Means and Ross are defendants in the case.
Harrod, when asked, said he learned 16 Alabama senators received money from McGregor-funded PACs during the 2010 election cycle with 15 of 16 receiving $25,000. One senator received $8,000, according to testimony.
Harrod said all 16 of those who received those contributions voted for the bill. None of the senators received money after the vote on the gambling bill, according to testimony.
(Page 3 of 3)
Federal prosecutor Steve Feaga also had Harrod point out millions in transfers to Gilley as he was trying to open and operate Country Crossing, which included a bingo pavilion along with restaurants.
Those transfers to Gilley and his companies included totals of $9.55 million from Robert Wright and other family members; $5.2 million from Gaughan Gaming; $2.6 million from Mega Bingo Inc.; two $1.7 million transfers from IGT; and $3.45 million from Ted Graham of Specialized Services.
Walker, the former Country Crossing spokesman, also received seven $10,000 payments from an investor in Country Crossing, Express Holdings operated by Ted Graham, from October 2009 to April 2010, according to documents discussed by Harrod. Those payments began just after one of Gilley's companies paid $166,667 to Express Holdings Group LLC on Sept. 11, 2009, followed by another payment of $166,667 on Oct. 16, 2009.
Walker also received $10,000 directly from Gilley on one occasion in July 2010.
Gilley also wrote four $50,000 checks, one to each of four political action committees, in 2010 that he said was intended to go to Smith after a phone call in which she said she needed $400,000 to finish out her Senate re-election campaign.
Harrod testified to all four of those checks going into the accounts for those respective PACs.
The prosecution did not wrap up its case as expected Monday and has one witness, another FBI agent, left to question today.
Written by Sebastian Kitchen
Defense attorneys said Monday that federal prosecutors have not put together a sound case against nine defendants accused of corruption and that they will ask the judge to drop the charges against their clients today.
Federal prosecutors are expected to wrap up their case this morning. Then outside the hearing of the jury, defense attorneys will make arguments to the judge on why their clients should be acquitted.
The defense would then have the opportunity beginning Wednesday to present witnesses to try to dispel whatever charges remain.
"We think they've failed to meet the burden," said Joe Espy, lead attorney for VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor.
McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four current or former state senators, a casino spokesman, and an attorney for the Legislature are on trial for their alleged roles in a scheme in which casino operators tried to bribe state lawmakers to pass gambling legislation.
"So much of this case is left to speculation and innuendo," said Susan James, attorney for Country Crossing spokesman Jay Walker.
Lewis Gillis, an attorney for state Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, said the prosecution has "proven simply that legislators will make calls repeatedly to a contributor."
Espy said the prosecution was struggling late in its case and was trying to introduce documents it has had for weeks.
Moving millions
An accountant for the FBI discussed some of those documents, outlining millions of dollars moved between Alabama casino owners, between political campaigns and committees, and into the checking accounts of defendants in the case.
FBI forensic accountant Philip Harrod outlined wire transfers and checks totaling $14.5 million from McGregor to Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley between January 2009 and February 2010.
McGregor and Gilley entered into a consulting agreement on Jan. 22, 2009, the day before the wire transfers began. McGregor's attorneys have said it was a legal business transaction and that McGregor was never paid what he was owed.
(Page 2 of 3)
McGregor, according to the contracts discussed earlier in the case, would receive 14 percent of the earnings at Country Crossing and that was increased to 20 percent as he loaned more to the casino. Espy said McGregor's percentage of nothing is -- nothing.
Shannon Holliday, another attorney for McGregor, brought up Gilley saying he had $160 million in debt so the $14 million from McGregor would be less than 10 percent of that.
Gilley and two of his lobbyists, Jarrod Massey and Jennifer Pouncy, have pleaded guilty in the case.
The accountant also outlined monthly payments of $3,000 from McGregor to the account of former legislative analyst and attorney Ray Crosby, another defendant, from June 2008 until April 2010 totaling $72,000. The documents included Crosby's bank statements from Regions bank and the checks from the Macon County Greyhound Park signed by McGregor.
Harrod also helped to outline 104 checks signed by McGregor written from the accounts of his greyhound parks in Jefferson and Macon counties totaling $1,924,000 that were directed to various political action committees in the state. The checks, 52 from each track, were written Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2009, and each sent checks to 52 different PACs. Each check was for $18,500.
The accountant also said that state Sen. Harri Anne Smith, an independent from Slocomb, received $15,000 from McGregor on March 10, 2010, and another $10,000 that same week from a PAC funded by McGregor.
Harrod, when asked by Smith attorney Jim Parkman, said the face of the checks would not indicate they came from McGregor.
Then-state Sen. Larry Means, D-Attalla, and Ross also each received $25,000 from McGregor for their 2010 re-election campaigns. Smith, Means and Ross are defendants in the case.
Harrod, when asked, said he learned 16 Alabama senators received money from McGregor-funded PACs during the 2010 election cycle with 15 of 16 receiving $25,000. One senator received $8,000, according to testimony.
Harrod said all 16 of those who received those contributions voted for the bill. None of the senators received money after the vote on the gambling bill, according to testimony.
(Page 3 of 3)
Federal prosecutor Steve Feaga also had Harrod point out millions in transfers to Gilley as he was trying to open and operate Country Crossing, which included a bingo pavilion along with restaurants.
Those transfers to Gilley and his companies included totals of $9.55 million from Robert Wright and other family members; $5.2 million from Gaughan Gaming; $2.6 million from Mega Bingo Inc.; two $1.7 million transfers from IGT; and $3.45 million from Ted Graham of Specialized Services.
Walker, the former Country Crossing spokesman, also received seven $10,000 payments from an investor in Country Crossing, Express Holdings operated by Ted Graham, from October 2009 to April 2010, according to documents discussed by Harrod. Those payments began just after one of Gilley's companies paid $166,667 to Express Holdings Group LLC on Sept. 11, 2009, followed by another payment of $166,667 on Oct. 16, 2009.
Walker also received $10,000 directly from Gilley on one occasion in July 2010.
Gilley also wrote four $50,000 checks, one to each of four political action committees, in 2010 that he said was intended to go to Smith after a phone call in which she said she needed $400,000 to finish out her Senate re-election campaign.
Harrod testified to all four of those checks going into the accounts for those respective PACs.
The prosecution did not wrap up its case as expected Monday and has one witness, another FBI agent, left to question today.
Ex-Garnerville pastor gets probation for stealing $26G
Ex-Garnerville pastor gets probation for stealing $26G
Written by Steve Lieberman and Akiko Matsuda
NEW CITY — A Rockland County Court judge sentenced a former St. Gregory Barbarigo Church pastor on Monday to five years' probation for stealing $25,600 from the parish to support his Internet gambling addiction.
The Rev. Thomas Kreiser, 45, who led the Garnerville parish from 2008 to 2010, had repaid most of the money before being charged and voluntarily entered a treatment facility in June 2010.
He pleaded guilty this June to fourth-degree grand larceny and faced a maximum of four years in state prison on the felony count.
During sentencing Monday before County Court Judge Charles Apotheker, Kreiser apologized to his parishioners and thanked the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York for its support.
"I just want to express my remorse for what I've done," Kreiser told Apotheker. "To the people of St. Gregory, I apologize for violating their faith in me."
In a few weeks, Kreiser will leave a Pennsylvania treatment facility.
His lawyer Louis Valvo said Kreiser, who remains a priest, has been assigned by the archdiocese to work with parishioners at a church in northern Westchester County. Kreiser will not handle finances or have any administrative duties.
Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, said Kreiser "has not yet received an assignment. What his next assignment will be is still under discussion."
Before St. Gregory, Kreiser served for several years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale.
Valvo said Kreiser twice tried rehabilitation before.
"He's an outstanding priest and will serve in that capacity," Valvo said, adding that Kreiser has worked hard to overcome his "personal demons."
"He's been in rehab since June 20, 2010, which is considerably more time than most people spend," Valvo said.
Outside the courtroom, Valvo declined to discuss how Kreiser came up with the funds to make restitution.
"Father Kreiser made sure that St. Gregory Barbarigo Church was fully and expedientially reimbursed," Valvo said.
"He thanks all his friends, family and parishioners for their support," Valvo said.
Kreiser and three supporters declined comment outside the court.
Later, in a statement, the Rev. Joseph P. LaMorte, pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo, said the church has taken steps to safeguard donations.
"Father Kreiser continues to have our love and support, even if he has done something wrong," LaMorte said. "Father Tom's fall gives all of us a warning that we have to be aware of temptations and fight our demons, lest they dominate us."
Based on a plea agreement with prosecutor Gary Lee Heavner, Apotheker agreed to give Kreiser a non-jail sentence and placed him on five years' probation.
The judge also waived all associated court fees, which total a few hundred dollars, and any civil liability. Kreiser only had to pay a mandated DNA fee.
Kreiser's decision to repay the money and voluntarily seek help was a major factor.
Rockland prosecutors and judges have supported non-jail terms for others who repaid money stolen from organizations and government programs. Those defendants also received probational terms.
In his June guilty plea, Kreiser admitted that from March to June 2010 he used the church's American Express credit card for personal expenses and various recreational pursuits without the permission or authority to do so.
Kreiser resigned as pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in June 2010 for personal reasons, shocking his parishioners and creating speculation about why he left.
The defendant's misappropriation of funds was uncovered during an Archdiocesan review of the administration of the parish, including an audit.
The Rockland County District Attorney's Office Special Investigation Unit launched its own probe.
"This defendant's actions demonstrated a clear violation of trust of those he was ordained to serve," Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said.
"By admitting his gambling problem and seeking treatment, he has taken the first step. We are satisfied with the sentence imposed in this matter."
Written by Steve Lieberman and Akiko Matsuda
NEW CITY — A Rockland County Court judge sentenced a former St. Gregory Barbarigo Church pastor on Monday to five years' probation for stealing $25,600 from the parish to support his Internet gambling addiction.
The Rev. Thomas Kreiser, 45, who led the Garnerville parish from 2008 to 2010, had repaid most of the money before being charged and voluntarily entered a treatment facility in June 2010.
He pleaded guilty this June to fourth-degree grand larceny and faced a maximum of four years in state prison on the felony count.
During sentencing Monday before County Court Judge Charles Apotheker, Kreiser apologized to his parishioners and thanked the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York for its support.
"I just want to express my remorse for what I've done," Kreiser told Apotheker. "To the people of St. Gregory, I apologize for violating their faith in me."
In a few weeks, Kreiser will leave a Pennsylvania treatment facility.
His lawyer Louis Valvo said Kreiser, who remains a priest, has been assigned by the archdiocese to work with parishioners at a church in northern Westchester County. Kreiser will not handle finances or have any administrative duties.
Joseph Zwilling, spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, said Kreiser "has not yet received an assignment. What his next assignment will be is still under discussion."
Before St. Gregory, Kreiser served for several years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale.
Valvo said Kreiser twice tried rehabilitation before.
"He's an outstanding priest and will serve in that capacity," Valvo said, adding that Kreiser has worked hard to overcome his "personal demons."
"He's been in rehab since June 20, 2010, which is considerably more time than most people spend," Valvo said.
Outside the courtroom, Valvo declined to discuss how Kreiser came up with the funds to make restitution.
"Father Kreiser made sure that St. Gregory Barbarigo Church was fully and expedientially reimbursed," Valvo said.
"He thanks all his friends, family and parishioners for their support," Valvo said.
Kreiser and three supporters declined comment outside the court.
Later, in a statement, the Rev. Joseph P. LaMorte, pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo, said the church has taken steps to safeguard donations.
"Father Kreiser continues to have our love and support, even if he has done something wrong," LaMorte said. "Father Tom's fall gives all of us a warning that we have to be aware of temptations and fight our demons, lest they dominate us."
Based on a plea agreement with prosecutor Gary Lee Heavner, Apotheker agreed to give Kreiser a non-jail sentence and placed him on five years' probation.
The judge also waived all associated court fees, which total a few hundred dollars, and any civil liability. Kreiser only had to pay a mandated DNA fee.
Kreiser's decision to repay the money and voluntarily seek help was a major factor.
Rockland prosecutors and judges have supported non-jail terms for others who repaid money stolen from organizations and government programs. Those defendants also received probational terms.
In his June guilty plea, Kreiser admitted that from March to June 2010 he used the church's American Express credit card for personal expenses and various recreational pursuits without the permission or authority to do so.
Kreiser resigned as pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in June 2010 for personal reasons, shocking his parishioners and creating speculation about why he left.
The defendant's misappropriation of funds was uncovered during an Archdiocesan review of the administration of the parish, including an audit.
The Rockland County District Attorney's Office Special Investigation Unit launched its own probe.
"This defendant's actions demonstrated a clear violation of trust of those he was ordained to serve," Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said.
"By admitting his gambling problem and seeking treatment, he has taken the first step. We are satisfied with the sentence imposed in this matter."
Alabama: gambling corruption trial begins 8th week
Alabama gambling corruption trial begins 8th week
by Bob Johnson
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama's gambling corruption trial enters its eighth week with prosecutors expected to on Monday wrap up presenting their cases against Victoryland casino owner Milton McGregor and eight others.
The defendants including McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four present and former senators, a casino spokesman and a former legislative attorney, are accused of using campaign contributions to buy and sell votes on pro-gambling legislation.
Prosecutors plan to wrap up their case Monday. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson is expected to spend Tuesday considering requests to dismiss some of the charges. Defense attorneys are expected to begin calling witnesses on Wednesday and the case could go to jurors for deliberations by the middle of August.
by Bob Johnson
Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama's gambling corruption trial enters its eighth week with prosecutors expected to on Monday wrap up presenting their cases against Victoryland casino owner Milton McGregor and eight others.
The defendants including McGregor, two of his lobbyists, four present and former senators, a casino spokesman and a former legislative attorney, are accused of using campaign contributions to buy and sell votes on pro-gambling legislation.
Prosecutors plan to wrap up their case Monday. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson is expected to spend Tuesday considering requests to dismiss some of the charges. Defense attorneys are expected to begin calling witnesses on Wednesday and the case could go to jurors for deliberations by the middle of August.
Alabama: Defense lawyers cross-examine over phone records
Defense lawyers in bingo trial cross-examine FBI agent over phone records
By Brendan Kirby, Press-Register Press-Register
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Defense attorneys took turns this morning attacking the meaning that prosecutors tried to attach to hundreds of phone calls among defendants in a State House vote-buying trial.
Attorneys for VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor and lobbyist Tom Coker asked during cross-examination how many of those calls went to voice mail or were less than a minute long. FBI Special Agent Nathan Langmack, who reviewed the thousands of calls on more than 20 phones, said he did not know the number.
But he acknowledged that many of them were.
McGregor and Coker are 2 of 9 people on trial on allegations that bingo bosses bribed 4 state senators and tried to buy support from others in a campaign to win passage of a bill giving voters a chance to legalize electronic bingo.
One of the defendants, former state Sen. Jim Preuitt, can be heard on one of the calls between Country Crossing owner Ronnie Gilley and another person. Investigators had wiretapped the first call but were not listening on a different phone he used to take a call from Preuitt on March 22 of last year, a week before the bingo vote in the state Senate.
On the snippet captured on tape, Gilley suggested that country music star George Jones would buy a truck from Preuitt’s car dealership in Talladega.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Ron Wise demanded to know if Langmack had ever looked to see if Jones, casino public relations man Jay Walker or Gilley had ever bought a vehicle from the dealership. Langmack said he did not.
Wise also noted that phone records showed the call between Gilley and Preuitt was 24:36 minutes long. Only a few seconds were played for the jury.
“Where’s the rest of the call?” Wise asked.
Langmack replied that investigators do not have a recording of the call because that phone was not tapped.
“All we have is Mr. Gilley saying a few lines (of a transcript prepared by authorities) of a 24-minute and 36-second call,” Wise said. “And there’s nothing said on these less than a dozen lines about Jim Preuitt voting for anything, is there?”
Wise asked Langmack if there was any recording of his client telling Gilley he did not want his money.
David Martin, an attorney for McGregor, asked several questions in which he suggested there is nothing illegal or unusual about a businessman having lots of conversations with his paid lobbyists or political allies during a legislative session in which lawmakers were debating important issues related to his industry.
Martin also sought to raise other possibilities for the conversation between McGregor and the others that had nothing to do with the proposed legislation, like the anti-gambling raids that then-Gov. Bob Riley was directing against casinos.
Langmack testified, however, that he was not keeping up with state politics at the time and could not discuss those events.
Martin also tried to distinguish the 9 cell phones used by Gilley with the multiple phones that McGregor used. Langmack testified that many of Gilley’s 9 phones were prepaid “drop phones” used to avoid detection. But he acknowledged that of 2 alternate phones used by McGregor, one was his office phone and one was a cell phone registered to his business.
By Brendan Kirby, Press-Register Press-Register
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Defense attorneys took turns this morning attacking the meaning that prosecutors tried to attach to hundreds of phone calls among defendants in a State House vote-buying trial.
Attorneys for VictoryLand casino owner Milton McGregor and lobbyist Tom Coker asked during cross-examination how many of those calls went to voice mail or were less than a minute long. FBI Special Agent Nathan Langmack, who reviewed the thousands of calls on more than 20 phones, said he did not know the number.
But he acknowledged that many of them were.
McGregor and Coker are 2 of 9 people on trial on allegations that bingo bosses bribed 4 state senators and tried to buy support from others in a campaign to win passage of a bill giving voters a chance to legalize electronic bingo.
One of the defendants, former state Sen. Jim Preuitt, can be heard on one of the calls between Country Crossing owner Ronnie Gilley and another person. Investigators had wiretapped the first call but were not listening on a different phone he used to take a call from Preuitt on March 22 of last year, a week before the bingo vote in the state Senate.
On the snippet captured on tape, Gilley suggested that country music star George Jones would buy a truck from Preuitt’s car dealership in Talladega.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Ron Wise demanded to know if Langmack had ever looked to see if Jones, casino public relations man Jay Walker or Gilley had ever bought a vehicle from the dealership. Langmack said he did not.
Wise also noted that phone records showed the call between Gilley and Preuitt was 24:36 minutes long. Only a few seconds were played for the jury.
“Where’s the rest of the call?” Wise asked.
Langmack replied that investigators do not have a recording of the call because that phone was not tapped.
“All we have is Mr. Gilley saying a few lines (of a transcript prepared by authorities) of a 24-minute and 36-second call,” Wise said. “And there’s nothing said on these less than a dozen lines about Jim Preuitt voting for anything, is there?”
Wise asked Langmack if there was any recording of his client telling Gilley he did not want his money.
David Martin, an attorney for McGregor, asked several questions in which he suggested there is nothing illegal or unusual about a businessman having lots of conversations with his paid lobbyists or political allies during a legislative session in which lawmakers were debating important issues related to his industry.
Martin also sought to raise other possibilities for the conversation between McGregor and the others that had nothing to do with the proposed legislation, like the anti-gambling raids that then-Gov. Bob Riley was directing against casinos.
Langmack testified, however, that he was not keeping up with state politics at the time and could not discuss those events.
Martin also tried to distinguish the 9 cell phones used by Gilley with the multiple phones that McGregor used. Langmack testified that many of Gilley’s 9 phones were prepaid “drop phones” used to avoid detection. But he acknowledged that of 2 alternate phones used by McGregor, one was his office phone and one was a cell phone registered to his business.
No details on FBI search at Choctaw casinos
No details on FBI search at Choctaw casinos
Philadelphia, Mississippi (AP) July 2011
A week after the FBI served a search warrant on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, no one is talking.
The Choctaws are as tightlipped as the FBI about what occurred at the Golden Moon and Silver Star casinos in Neshoba County.
The casinos did not close, Paul Harvey, the chief executive officer of the resort, said in a statement released by the tribe.
“The resort is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities in their investigation. There will be no interruption in the operation of business at the resort,” Harvey said.
The action came a week after the election for chief. The results of the election were tossed out by the Tribal Council. A new election date is pending.
Several news organizations were reporting that the FBI was searching the financial records of the casinos.
FBI spokesman Ty Breedlove in Jackson said the FBI had no comment.
Phyliss J. Anderson, who had defeated Chief Beasley Denson in a runoff that has since been nullified, told the Associated Press that she would not comment on the FBI search.
Pearl River Tribal Council member Cyrus Ben has told the Neshoba Democrat that tribal members “are in the dark as much as you are.”
Tribal Council Vice Chief Kevin Edwards said he had no comment. He said the issue should be addressed by Denson and others in the chief’s administration. No one from the tribe’s main office has returned calls to the AP.
The Neshoba Democrat reported the Choctaw Tribal Council was briefed Tuesday on the FBI investigation. Choctaw Attorney General Donald L. Kilgore told the council they needed to discuss “why the FBI is here.” The meeting adjourned a couple of minutes later.
Philadelphia, Mississippi (AP) July 2011
A week after the FBI served a search warrant on the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, no one is talking.
The Choctaws are as tightlipped as the FBI about what occurred at the Golden Moon and Silver Star casinos in Neshoba County.
The casinos did not close, Paul Harvey, the chief executive officer of the resort, said in a statement released by the tribe.
“The resort is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities in their investigation. There will be no interruption in the operation of business at the resort,” Harvey said.
The action came a week after the election for chief. The results of the election were tossed out by the Tribal Council. A new election date is pending.
Several news organizations were reporting that the FBI was searching the financial records of the casinos.
FBI spokesman Ty Breedlove in Jackson said the FBI had no comment.
Phyliss J. Anderson, who had defeated Chief Beasley Denson in a runoff that has since been nullified, told the Associated Press that she would not comment on the FBI search.
Pearl River Tribal Council member Cyrus Ben has told the Neshoba Democrat that tribal members “are in the dark as much as you are.”
Tribal Council Vice Chief Kevin Edwards said he had no comment. He said the issue should be addressed by Denson and others in the chief’s administration. No one from the tribe’s main office has returned calls to the AP.
The Neshoba Democrat reported the Choctaw Tribal Council was briefed Tuesday on the FBI investigation. Choctaw Attorney General Donald L. Kilgore told the council they needed to discuss “why the FBI is here.” The meeting adjourned a couple of minutes later.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Gambling Addiction
Gambling Addiction
In 2007, Americans lost $92 billion gambling. That's ten times what they spent at movie theaters. Many of those dollars (the gambling dollars) were spent by gambling addicts. Gambling addiction is a behavioral addiction which operates similarly to substance addictions. A key indicator that an addiction is present is the same for both gambling and substance addictions: the continuation of destructive behaviors despite repeated negative consequences. The gambler who lost it all (relationships, finances), much like the alcoholic or drug addict who lost it all, suffers from an addiction -- a fundamental neurological compulsion to continue a particular behavior.
More information: What Our Gambling Problem Is Really Costing Us
In 2007, Americans lost $92 billion gambling. That's ten times what they spent at movie theaters. Many of those dollars (the gambling dollars) were spent by gambling addicts. Gambling addiction is a behavioral addiction which operates similarly to substance addictions. A key indicator that an addiction is present is the same for both gambling and substance addictions: the continuation of destructive behaviors despite repeated negative consequences. The gambler who lost it all (relationships, finances), much like the alcoholic or drug addict who lost it all, suffers from an addiction -- a fundamental neurological compulsion to continue a particular behavior.
More information: What Our Gambling Problem Is Really Costing Us
Suspected Postal Fraud By Gambling Addict
Suspected €1.76m fraud carried out at post office since January
By Tom Brady Security Editor
A SUSPECTED €1.76m fraud at a post office began at the start of the year, the Irish Independent has learned.
Internal audits have indicated the accounts at Gorey post office in Co Wexford balanced up to Christmas.
But investigators believe cash began to be siphoned off from the accounts from January and this continued until three weeks ago when the suspected crime was discovered.
Investigators are still trying to fully determine how the suspected fraud was carried out and inquiries in the post office are continuing.
Detectives from the garda bureau of fraud investigation have been called in to assist local officers.
However, gardai are awaiting further detailed briefings from An Post before stepping up their inquiries.
Meanwhile, a senior manager in the Gorey branch, Tony O'Reilly, who went missing as the suspected fraud was uncovered at the end of June, has begun a treatment programme to help him cope with a gambling addiction and has been transferred from the hospital where he initially received medical help.
Gambling
An Post last night confirmed Mr O'Reilly (36) remained on paid leave from his post.
After Mr O'Reilly turned up unharmed in Belfast four days after his disappearance, his family issued a statement admitting that their son had a gambling addiction, which had spiralled out of control in recent months.
Mr O'Reilly had been a heavy gambler for the past few years and had a long spell of success as a punter before his luck deserted him.
It is understood several million euro had been wagered in betting transactions over that period, including winning as well as losing bets. A large proportion of the bets were placed through online and telephone services provided for customers by a bookmaking firm.
In their statement, the family blamed the availability of those facilities for their son's "predicament".
The family said Tony was "a family man, first and foremost" and his gambling in recent months had been secretive and uncharacteristic.
Mr O'Reilly was reported as missing when he left his home in Carlow town but failed to turn up at the post office in Gorey.
He was later located by the PSNI in Belfast and medical attention was sought for him.
The family said they were seeking help for Tony to recover from "this illness, which is plaguing families across the country".
They added they believed the addiction should be highlighted to prevent other families going through the trauma and torment that they had experienced.
Meanwhile, An Post is expected to examine its audit procedures at other post offices around the country after it completes the internal inquiries at Gorey.
- Tom Brady Security Editor
Irish Independent
By Tom Brady Security Editor
A SUSPECTED €1.76m fraud at a post office began at the start of the year, the Irish Independent has learned.
Internal audits have indicated the accounts at Gorey post office in Co Wexford balanced up to Christmas.
But investigators believe cash began to be siphoned off from the accounts from January and this continued until three weeks ago when the suspected crime was discovered.
Investigators are still trying to fully determine how the suspected fraud was carried out and inquiries in the post office are continuing.
Detectives from the garda bureau of fraud investigation have been called in to assist local officers.
However, gardai are awaiting further detailed briefings from An Post before stepping up their inquiries.
Meanwhile, a senior manager in the Gorey branch, Tony O'Reilly, who went missing as the suspected fraud was uncovered at the end of June, has begun a treatment programme to help him cope with a gambling addiction and has been transferred from the hospital where he initially received medical help.
Gambling
An Post last night confirmed Mr O'Reilly (36) remained on paid leave from his post.
After Mr O'Reilly turned up unharmed in Belfast four days after his disappearance, his family issued a statement admitting that their son had a gambling addiction, which had spiralled out of control in recent months.
Mr O'Reilly had been a heavy gambler for the past few years and had a long spell of success as a punter before his luck deserted him.
It is understood several million euro had been wagered in betting transactions over that period, including winning as well as losing bets. A large proportion of the bets were placed through online and telephone services provided for customers by a bookmaking firm.
In their statement, the family blamed the availability of those facilities for their son's "predicament".
The family said Tony was "a family man, first and foremost" and his gambling in recent months had been secretive and uncharacteristic.
Mr O'Reilly was reported as missing when he left his home in Carlow town but failed to turn up at the post office in Gorey.
He was later located by the PSNI in Belfast and medical attention was sought for him.
The family said they were seeking help for Tony to recover from "this illness, which is plaguing families across the country".
They added they believed the addiction should be highlighted to prevent other families going through the trauma and torment that they had experienced.
Meanwhile, An Post is expected to examine its audit procedures at other post offices around the country after it completes the internal inquiries at Gorey.
- Tom Brady Security Editor
Irish Independent
Pennsylvania: Rivers wants to escape culpability
In an audacious move, The Rivers Casino is attempting to escape culpability from violating its own rules allowing underage gambling and its own failures to monitor its premises.
We punish stores that sell cigarettes to minors.
We punish liquor stores and bars that sell to minors.
The Gambling Industry portrays itself exempt from accepting responsibility.
Pennsylvania Casinos Want New Laws To Punish Underage Gamblers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The lawyer for one of the latest casinos to be fined for underage gaming says Pennsylvania needs to rethink its approach to the problem.
The $80,000 fine levied against The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh Wednesday is among the more than $1.1 million total in fines for underage gaming in Pennsylvania.
Michael Sklar, an attorney representing The Rivers, says the problem will continue unless the minors themselves are punished.
“The kids are going. It’s like a bar: the kids are gonna try.”
But Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt says in some cases, the casinos aren’t following their own rules.
“Kids are going to a table and playing table games. They’re cashing out money from a cashier when they’re under the age of 21. Those are simply unacceptable circumstances,” Fajt said.
Fajt believes gaming board members would support sanctions against minors, but notes that some policies, such as New Jersey’s practice of taking drivers licenses from underage gamblers, would have to be approved by the legislature.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060
We punish stores that sell cigarettes to minors.
We punish liquor stores and bars that sell to minors.
The Gambling Industry portrays itself exempt from accepting responsibility.
Pennsylvania Casinos Want New Laws To Punish Underage Gamblers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The lawyer for one of the latest casinos to be fined for underage gaming says Pennsylvania needs to rethink its approach to the problem.
The $80,000 fine levied against The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh Wednesday is among the more than $1.1 million total in fines for underage gaming in Pennsylvania.
Michael Sklar, an attorney representing The Rivers, says the problem will continue unless the minors themselves are punished.
“The kids are going. It’s like a bar: the kids are gonna try.”
But Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt says in some cases, the casinos aren’t following their own rules.
“Kids are going to a table and playing table games. They’re cashing out money from a cashier when they’re under the age of 21. Those are simply unacceptable circumstances,” Fajt said.
Fajt believes gaming board members would support sanctions against minors, but notes that some policies, such as New Jersey’s practice of taking drivers licenses from underage gamblers, would have to be approved by the legislature.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060
Ex-Barclays adviser jailed for fraud
Ex-Barclays adviser jailed for £600k fraud
by Iain Martin
Former Barclays financial planning manager James Leonard Finnigan has been jailed for four years for stealing £600,000 from vulnerable customers to fund his gambling addiction.
by Iain Martin
Former Barclays financial planning manager James Leonard Finnigan has been jailed for four years for stealing £600,000 from vulnerable customers to fund his gambling addiction.
NY Woman Gambles Stolen $617,000 At Turning Stone Casino
NY Woman Gambles Stolen $617,000 At Turning Stone Casino
Author: M. Rhodes
A woman from New York has admitted to stealing more than $617,000 from her place of work in order to feed a gambling addiction.
Sharon Oczkowski, 58, was employed as a bookkeeper at the Eastern Star Home & Campus in Oriskany. However, rather than trying to improve the plight of those at the assisted living facility, she instead stole the huge sum from her employer, before then gambling it all away at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Between December 2006 and April 2010, Oczkowski embezzled the money by writing herself hundreds of cheques, at one stage even using the account of a deceased elderly resident to cash some of the money. She then lost the cash playing the slots and casino tables at the nearby casino.
Admitting her guilt in front of the Oneida County Court and giving an insight into her gambling addiction, Sharon Oczkowski explained:
“I was raised to know right from wrong, and I never even had a parking ticket. I would go to bed at night hoping the next day would be different, but it was never different…I guess I’m going to have to fight it for the rest of my life.”
Oczkowski even speculated that her attempts to disguise the thefts became increasingly careless over time, possibly as an unconscious desire to get caught. Certain discrepancies were then noticed by employees at the Pounder Hall facility at 8290 Route 69, leading to her eventual arrest.
The 58 year old now faces up to 13 and a half years in prison for second-degree grand larceny, although Judge Michael Dwyer said he would consider reducing the
sentence to between 4 and 12 years if she could return $100,000.
In the meantime, Sharon Oczkowski has been receiving counselling for her gambling addiction, and commented:
“I think I was ready to get it all out. I couldn’t look myself in the mirror knowing what I did to my family. It just felt so good to talk to somebody who knew what was going on inside my head.”
Author: M. Rhodes
A woman from New York has admitted to stealing more than $617,000 from her place of work in order to feed a gambling addiction.
Sharon Oczkowski, 58, was employed as a bookkeeper at the Eastern Star Home & Campus in Oriskany. However, rather than trying to improve the plight of those at the assisted living facility, she instead stole the huge sum from her employer, before then gambling it all away at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Between December 2006 and April 2010, Oczkowski embezzled the money by writing herself hundreds of cheques, at one stage even using the account of a deceased elderly resident to cash some of the money. She then lost the cash playing the slots and casino tables at the nearby casino.
Admitting her guilt in front of the Oneida County Court and giving an insight into her gambling addiction, Sharon Oczkowski explained:
“I was raised to know right from wrong, and I never even had a parking ticket. I would go to bed at night hoping the next day would be different, but it was never different…I guess I’m going to have to fight it for the rest of my life.”
Oczkowski even speculated that her attempts to disguise the thefts became increasingly careless over time, possibly as an unconscious desire to get caught. Certain discrepancies were then noticed by employees at the Pounder Hall facility at 8290 Route 69, leading to her eventual arrest.
The 58 year old now faces up to 13 and a half years in prison for second-degree grand larceny, although Judge Michael Dwyer said he would consider reducing the
sentence to between 4 and 12 years if she could return $100,000.
In the meantime, Sharon Oczkowski has been receiving counselling for her gambling addiction, and commented:
“I think I was ready to get it all out. I couldn’t look myself in the mirror knowing what I did to my family. It just felt so good to talk to somebody who knew what was going on inside my head.”
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