‘Operation Rock Bottom’ Takes Down Bookie Biz in Rockland County

Eight individuals have been arrested in Rockland County on charges they operated a large-scale illegal bookmaking and loan sharking business in both Rockland and Westchester counties.

They are also alleged to have operated throughout the New York City area as well as Long Island, Pennsylvania and Florida.

The arrests come after a 10-month investigation dubbed “Operation Rock Bottom”.  Law enforcement claims the business had ties to organized crime.

Illegal gambling has always been the fuel that drives organized crime because of the huge profits it generates, which are of ten used to fund other forms of criminal activity, including drug trafficking and prostitution,” said District Attorney Zugibe. “Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime.”

Search warrants were initially executed on April 1 with evidence of illegal gambling records, computers and large amounts of cash over $750,000 seized at the time.

Arrested were:

Ronald Ayes, 71, of South Nyack

Nicholas Farese, 51, of Nanuet

Richard Herman, 75, of New York City

Anthony Moschella, 75, of Valley Cottage

Mark Moschella, 52, of New Jersey

Peter Reda, 57, of Franklin Square

Vincenzo Red, 34, of Franklin Square

John Reyes, 72, of Monsey

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com