West
Trenton, New Jersey - Attorney General
Zulima Farber and New Jersey State Police
Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes announced
that an investigation dubbed “Operation
Slap Shot” concluded with the arrest
of a veteran New Jersey State Trooper
and two others for operating a multi-million
dollar sports bookmaking enterprise.
“These
arrests clearly demonstrate that the New
Jersey State Police and the Division of
Criminal Justice will aggressively pursue
allegations of official misconduct and
corruption,” said Attorney General
Farber.
The investigation began in late October
2005, when members of the New Jersey State
Police Organized Crime Bureau uncovered
information indicating that Trooper James
J. Harney; an eight-year veteran was a
partner in the bookmaking ring, operating
not only in the South Jersey and Philadelphia
area, but also beyond the borders of New
Jersey.
As the investigation unfolded it expanded
to include former Philadelphia Flyer and
current Phoenix Coyotes’ assistant
coach Richard Tocchet. Mr. Tocchet was
identified as Harney’s alleged partner
and financier. Additionally, the investigation
alleges Swedesboro resident James A. Ulmer,
served as a “sitter” who funneled
wagers to Harney.
The
State Police investigation paints a picture
of a highly organized sport betting system,
which
in a forty day period processed more than
1000 wagers exceeding 1.7 million dollars
on professional and collegiate sporting
events. Many of the rings clientele included
past and present professional athletes
and celebrities who are being interviewed
as part of the ongoing investigation.
Beyond
the bookmaking and corruption charges
the investigation has revealed alleged
ties to the Bruno-Scarfo Crime Family
of La Cosa Nostra, operating in Philadelphia
and Southern New Jersey.
“Operation
Slap Shot not only dismantles a major
sports betting operation, but sends a
definitive message that we will not allow
any member to tarnish the above reproach
reputation of the New Jersey State Police.
We want to ensure that the citizens of
New Jersey maintain their confidence in
the services we provide and the integrity
of each New Jersey State Trooper,”
said Fuentes.
The investigation to date has resulted
in yesterday’s arrests of both Harney
and Ulmer for Bookmaking, Money Laundering
and Conspiracy, as well as the execution
of search warrants at multiple locations.
As part of the investigation, the Division
of Criminal Justice has employed the criminal
provisions of New Jersey’s racketeering
and money laundering statutes to seize
the proceeds of the alleged illegal gambling
activity. The Division of Criminal Justice
has filed an Order To Seize and Restrain
Property with the Superior Court. The
order seeks various assets owned and/or
maintained by Harney and Ulmer, including
back accounts, Harney’s Mount Laurel
residence, and personal late-model automobiles.
The investigation will be submitted to
a State Grand Jury for review and potential
indictment.
Charged
suspects full names and addresses are
as follows:
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