Mob, Police Officer Accused of Running Gambling Dens

The US Department of Justice this week revealed that they've issued indictments against mafia members and a New York police officer, alleging that they were running illegal gambling dens in both Long Island and New York City.

Nine people were indicted by the DOJ this week, with members of the Genovese and Bonnano crime families implicated. The families were found to have been operating gambling dens that were on the surface appearing as legitimate businesses. A coffee shop, a shoe repair shop, and several sports clubs throughout Long Island and New York City were found to be offering betting services behind closed doors, even with some patrons unaware of the activity and shopping as per usual.

The most interesting facet of this case may be that Nassau County police detective Hector Rosario was also charged with helping aid the businesses. Rosario was indicted on accepting money from the Bonnano crime family in order to schedule raids on competing gambling locations. He faces multiple charges, including obstructing a grand jury and lying to law enforcement.

US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace spoke about the indictments, noting: "Today's arrests of members from two La Cosa Nostra crime families demonstrate that the Mafia continues to pollute our communities with illegal gambling, extortion and violence while using our financial system in service to their criminal schemes. The defendants tried to hide their criminal activity by operating from behind the cover of a coffee bar, a soccer club and a shoe repair shop, but our Office and our law enforcement partners exposed their illegal operations."

"Even more disturbing is the shameful conduct of a detective who betrayed his oath of office and the honest men and women of the Nassau County Police Department when he allegedly aligned himself with criminals."

Those charged face lengthy prison terms, but are considered to be innocent until proven guilty.

Casino Listings News is following the story and will update readers as appropriate.