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A retired New York State trooper has plead guilty to tipping off a multi-million dollar Rochester-based bookmaking business in regard to an investigation.
Seven individuals were charged in January for their role in running the business. It is alleged to have taken in millions of dollars over a multi-year period as part of a 48-page complaint.
Prosecutors claim the defendants operated illegal poker games inside Suite B at 565 Blossom Road and an illegal online sports betting operation through the website sport700.com.
The retired sergeant, Thomas J. Loewke, pleaded guilty to obstructing a law enforcement investigation, a felony that could result in a five-year prison term, though a plea arrangement will likely see him serve somewhere between 10 and 18 months. Loewke had retired back in October 2021 and is alleged to have wagered with the bookmaking business.
Loewke tipped off Louis P. Ferrari II on Dec. 27, 2021 regarding the ongoing probe. Based on the information obtained, Ferrari is said to have changed the password of his sports betting website and deleted the history of bets placed with it, according to the complaint.
The online sports betting ring had brought in illegal profits of more than $10 million during a five-year period ending in 2021 and an undercover officer is being credited for taking down the business. That officer spent $500 on chips, and participated in hold ’em poker in addition to placing sports bets.
The criminal complaint against Ferrari II and others was the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
- Frank Doyle, Gambling911.com
