Gambling Crime and Punishment: Star Quarterback Art Schlichter in Trouble Again

Former Ohio State quarterback Art Schlichter is being investigated for a scheme involving the brokering and selling of tickets to Ohio State football games as well as the Super Bowl as a means of supporting his gambling addiction. 

In January 1987, Schlichter was arrested in New York City for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar sports betting operation.

No charges have been confirmed in the case.

….A Saratoga Springs, New York man has been fined $25,000 and must surrender his a 2004 Buick that he used in his crimes related to his role as an agent for a sports betting ring with operations in Costa Rica.  The sportsbook in question is unidentified in the complaint.

Michael J. Morrissey pleaded guilty to fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor, prosecutors said.

The Saratoga man took a percentage of losing wagers and "vig”, which is the percentage of funds kept by the bookie.

Another man connected to Morrissey, Peter Rufer, 51, of Schenectady, was charged with promoting gambling, also a misdemeanor, in 2009.

Police are also probing computer traffic and people believed to be associated with Morrissey in Las Vegas, Florida and Costa Rica.

….The Associated Press reports that a Grand Rapids-area woman says gambling led her to embezzle about $600,000 from Huntington Bank.

Jo Anne Wierenga pleaded guilty Monday in federal court. She told a judge that gambling caused her to steal money for seven years at a Huntington branch in Grand Rapids.

Authorities say Wierenga took money from customer accounts and the vault. She remains free on bond but must stay away from casinos and attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Wierenga will receive her sentence on May 9.

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- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com