A Nassau County grand jury has indicted five Long Island men, including an ex-NYPD officer, on promoting gambling and conspiracy charges related to illegal online sports betting.
Prosecutors said the 63-count indictment unsealed Thursday came after a 14-month investigation in which wiretaps and surveillance operations revealed thousands of dollars had been wagered on the online sportsbook.
“These five individuals allegedly operated a sophisticated online sports betting operation in Nassau County, profiting from hundreds of bets,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a statement.
The Nassau County Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau began investigating the sports book, which prosecutors said was operated by Anthony Frascone, 75, of East Meadow, and Anthony Pellegrino, 59, of Merrick, in September 2023.
The indictment alleges that Pellegrino created accounts through a website to manage bets and winnings, including a portion given to sportsbook operators and to Pellegrino. One gambler had more than $150,000 in gambling debts, Donnelly said.
Prosecutors said there are a limited number of state licenses for legitimate sportsbooks, which are audited and subject to state taxes.
Also charged in the case were former NYPD Sgt. Joseph Pietaro, 57, of West Islip, who was charged with 50 counts of felony in furtherance of gambling, and one count of felony conspiracy. His lawyer declined to comment.
Frascone and Pellegrino were both indicted on 61 counts of promoting gambling, criminal usury and felony conspiracy. They both pleaded not guilty in Nassau County District Court on Thursday and were released on their own recognizance. If convicted, both could face five to 15 years in prison.
Frascone, who authorities previously said had ties to the Bonanno organized crime family, pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges in 2005 and to racketeering and conspiracy charges in 2013. He was sentenced to almost three years in prison in 2014.
Frascone’s attorney, Murray Richman, who did not represent him in the previous cases, said sports betting laws have changed.
“I was under the impression that gambling is legal in New York State. It is naive to believe that if the state can participate, why not the individual?” Richman said. ‘Mr. Frascone is innocent. He is a decent human being and ultimately we will dismiss these charges.”
Pellegrino’s attorney, Dennis Lemke, said Pellegrino is a retired teacher and has no ties to organized crime. He said none of the charges involved drugs or violence.
“There’s not much going on,” Lemke said. “I’d have to think the DA’s office was hoping to find something much bigger in collaboration with a crime boss.”
Philip Carucci, 59, of Levittown, and Frank LoNigro, 51, of Merrick, helped pay off gamblers’ debts, prosecutors said. They all pleaded not guilty and face one to three years in prison if convicted.
Carucci was charged with felony in furtherance of gambling, possession of gambling and felony conspiracy. His lawyer could not be reached for comment.
LoNigro was charged with six felonies in furtherance of gambling and one count of felony in furtherance of gambling and conspiracy. His attorney, Eric Franz, said, “Mr. LoNigro is a law-abiding citizen. He runs a restaurant and all he does is feed people.”
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.