New York Criminal Lawyer Blog
Las Vegas is a lot of fun, but according to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, what happens in Vegas, stays…out of Queens. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, thirteen men were arrested and indicted for charges relating to gambling including Enterprise Corruption, Promoting Gambling in the First Degree, Money Laundering in the Third Degree and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree. If convicted of Enterprise Corruption, the defendants face up to twenty five years in prison.
According to the Queens DA’s Office, the 86 count indictment alleges that the defendants ran an offshore wire room in Costa Rica which was accessible through a toll free number as well as a website – www.perfectwager.com. Bets were placed as low as $200 and as high as $4,000 for a single game.
In addition to the arrests of Michael Mildenberger, James A. Rossi, Carmen V. Cicalese (not in custody at this time), Anthony Acierno, Michael M. D’Angelo, Peter P. D’Angelo, William E. Jennings, Robert E. Degiacomi, John J. Marino, Gene Panariello and Joseph R. Sofia, law enforcement officials have reported that they seized nearly $400,000 in cash from various locations as well as a Mercedes Benz, Lincoln Navigator and a Lincoln MKS.
District Attorney Brown said, “Illegal sports betting reaps millions of dollars in cash profits that are easily diverted to more insidious criminal enterprises. These are not victimless crimes. In fact, participants often use threats, intimidation and even physical force to collect debts. Today’s indictments will send a clear signal that when it comes to illegal gambling in Queens County, all bets are off.”
As New York City criminal defense attorneys and former Manhattan prosecutors, we at Saland Law PC recognize that these defendants face not only serious charges, but the results of an investigation that utilized both state and federal law enforcement. However each of these defendants determines they should proceed, it is likely that the next few days will be critical in both ascertaining and implementing their respective defenses.