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Massachusetts Gambling Ring Suspect Surrenders27 September 2001SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – Sept. 27, 2001 –As reported by the (Springfield, Mashachusetts) Union-News: "A fifth suspect in a gambling, drug-dealing and black market construction equipment crime ring surrendered yesterday as police raided more bars and restaurants searching for gambling evidence. "State troopers raided about 60 greater Springfield businesses and homes Tuesday confiscating more than 100 illegal video poker machines, cash and records. "…[Hampden County District Attorney William M. Bennett and state Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly] said the ring was run by organized crime. "…`The investigation's purpose was to determine the link between the illegal use of these machines and S & M (Vendors Inc.), of Springfield, and the owner of the video machines,' Bennett said in a written statement. "S & M Vendors is owned by Albert A. 'Baba' Scibelli, a convicted racketeer now facing federal gambling charges. Prosecutors claim Scibelli, 81, of Hampden, is a ranking member of the region's organized crime hierarchy. "…Bennett called the video poker gambling a `multimillion dollar operation.' "…Video poker machines are legal unless they are rigged to accept large amounts of money. Someone working in the establishment has to pay off winners…" |