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Three Bookies Admit Guilt13 July 2000PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA July 13, 2000 – As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirier: "Three low-level bookmakers, who laid off bets to mob associate Steven Sharkey, quietly pleaded guilty to operating a South Philadelphia illegal gambling business yesterday. "Sharkey's gambling and loan-shark operation is part of the federal racketeering case against reputed acting mob boss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, Sharkey and nine others. "All three bookmakers, Lance Martinicchio, 25, Patrick Smyth, 29, and Mark Tashie, 30, who pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal bookmaking operation, have agreed to testify at the upcoming federal trial. "… [Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven] D'Aguanno said he provided seed money to finance the operation, a kind of venture capitalist for the underworld. "…In October 1999, troopers executed 15 search warrants, including the trio's residences, and seized gambling records, sports schedules and other paraphernalia. "…Each faces up to a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000, fine, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Tashie faces an Oct. 12 sentencing. No date has been set for sentencing for Martinicchio and Smith." |