Aug 17, 2007, 16:25 GMT
Mount Holly, NJ - Former NHL player Rick Tocchet was sentenced Friday to two years probation for running an illegal sports gambling ring.
Tocchet, who is currently on indefinite leave from his job as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, pleaded guilty in May to charges of conspiracy and promoting gambling, both in the third degree. He was sentenced by Burlington County Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith.
Under New Jersey law, third-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of five years in state prison and third-degree gambling offenses also carry a fine of up to $25,000. The sentence was left to the discretion of the court.
'Today's sentence reflects the fact that Mr. Tocchet is a first-time offender,' said New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram. 'But make no mistake, he is paying a heavy price for his foray into the world of illegal bookmaking. He now must live with the stigma and consequences of being a convicted felon.'
Tocchet was the third man to plead guilty in the case, which New Jersey authorities named 'Operation Slapshot.' Former New Jersey state trooper James Harney and a third man, James Ulmer, also admitted they were partners in the gambling operation.
Harney was sentenced to five years in state prison by Judge Smith on August 3 after pleading guilty to second-degree conspiracy, second-degree official misconduct and third-degree promoting gambling.
Ulmer is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24. He pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy and promoting gambling for bringing in bets for the ring.
According to the New Jersey State Police Organized Crime Bureau, the investigation began in October of 2005 and revealed a sports betting system that processed more than 1,000 wagers that exceeded a total of $1.7 million on professional and collegiate sporting events during a 40-day period.
Tocchet was identified by the State Police as being the alleged partner and financier of Harney.
The clientele of the ring included professional athletes, past and present, and celebrities. Janet Jones, the wife of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, was accused of betting but was not charged in the case.
'By partnering in this illegal gambling enterprise, Mr. Tocchet let down many people, including the fans who held him in high esteem and the friends from whom he took money,' said Criminal Justice Director Gregory Paw. 'Today's sentence appropriately resolves this criminal matter.'
Tocchet, who played for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington and Phoenix in a lengthy career, registered 440 goals and 952 points in 1,144 regular-season games.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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