Man Who Helped Prosecutor Pursue Notorious OKC Bookie Gets 16 Months Prison

OKLAHOMA CITY — (Associated Press) - A Nevada bookie has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for his role in an illegal gambling operation.

Gary John Gibb of Reno was sentenced Thursday. He faced up to five years in prison but made a tearful plea for probation at Thursday's hearing.

The Oklahoman reported Gibb told U.S. District Judge David Russell that freedom is "so precious."

Gibb was granted leniency after agreeing to help prosecutors pursue Teddy Mitchell, who pleaded guilty last month to being involved in an illegal Internet sports gambling business. Mitchell is awaiting sentencing.

After serving his prison term, Gibb will be on three years' probation. Prosecutors agreed to drop two other charges when Gibb pledged his cooperation.

Gibb also was ordered to forfeit $500,000, the amount he made from the operation.