Former NHL Player Pleads Guilty in Wagering Case
A former Buffalo Sabre player, Nathan Paetsch, has plead guilty Monday in a U.S. District Court in Rochester to transmitting wagering information and structuring transactions in such a way to evade reporting requirements. He had been facing up to seven years in prison.
Per the plea agreement, Paetsch will serve probation that involves eight months of home confinement and 400 hours of community service. Paetsch has also agreed to forfeit assets such as a $76,941 BMW X5 and $265,000 cash.
Authorities claim Paetsch had ties to organized crime syndicates and dealt with bettors in four US states as well as Canada.
“He had the integrity to accept responsibility and move on with his life,” said defense lawyer David R. Morabito of Rochester.
Two brothers from Connecticut, Joseph Ruff, 32, and Mark Ruff, 40, along with Paul Borrelli, 66, of Rochester, have been convicted of operating the sports betting operation.
Another former Sabre player, Thomas Vanek, has also been linked to the same betting syndicate and is cooperating with authorities. Investigators claim a $230,000 check at the heart of an extortion matter tied to the Ruffs was one written by the NHL player. Vanek is not expected to be charged with any crime however.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
