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Following the arrest of 17 individuals tied to what Rhode Island law enforcement calls a massive Mafia-tied illegal sports betting ring, state police have not ruled out additional arrests.
Details related to the investigation remained somewhat limited.
“You’ll understand probably better in a day when we can piece it together, and explain to you,” said Col. Steve O’Donnell of the RI State Police. “We’re not trying to be difficult and I can tell you – It all will piece together.”
Among those charged with Organized Criminal Gambling and Conspiracy is Sean W. Furney, 24, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks declined to comment on the matter.
Christopher R. Costantino, 24, is facing similar charges. Costantino was drafted 49th by the Boston Red Sox in 2009 but never signed with the ball club,
Other local former High School star athletes were among those arrested during Tuesday morning’s statewide raids.
A former prison guard, 46-year-old Timothy Moretti, is alleged to have been the ring leader.
“Typically, legal gambling is done on a credit card and its upfront and there’s taxes that are paid on winnings and things like that,” O’Donnell told Eyewitness News. “Illicit gambling is done behind the scenes where someone orchestrates it – there’s no taxes being paid and there’s no credit.”
Following the arrest of 17 individuals tied to what Rhode Island law enforcement calls a massive Mafia-tied illegal sports betting ring, state police have not ruled out additional arrests.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
