Brother of NFL Hall of Famer Arrested on Gambling Charges

This week nine people were arrested for operating an offshore online sportsbetting business, with the brother of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher one of those taken into custody.

The men were charged by the US District Court in Illinois of running an illegal gambling business. Casey Urlacher, the brother of Brian Urlacher was charged in the ring, and it's alleged that he recruited gamblers for a cut of their losses. Urlacher currently serves as the mayor of Mettawa, Illinois. Another charged in the crimes is Nicholas Stella, who currently is employed in the Chicago Police Department. He has been suspended until the case is resolved.

The ring is alleged to have run a sportsbook through a Costa Rican company, with the ringleader being Vincent DelGiudice. A raid on DelGiudice's home last year saw more than a million dollars in cash, $347,000 in silver, and $92,623 in gold seized. It's being reported that he's also been charged with money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to conduct and illegal gambling business.

All of the men are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the group could face prison terms and large financial penalties if found guilty. Brian Urlacher claims he had no knowledge of the ring, and there's no evidence to prove that he was involved in any way.

We'll update readers as the case evolves.