For Immediate Release:             For Further Information Contact:
November 13, 2009                                  Peter Aseltine (609) 292-4791

      
FORMER HUDSON CO. ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MPROVEMENT AUTHORITY SENTENCED ON CHARGE OF PROMOTING GAMBLING

TRENTON – Attorney General Anne Milgram announced that a former enforcement officer for the Hudson County Improvement Authority was sentenced today for promoting gambling.

According to Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni, Harry L. Aceti, 52, of Flemington, was ordered to serve four years of probation, pay a $5,000 criminal fine, and provide 50 hours of community service by Superior Court Judge Lourdes I. Santiago in Hudson County.  Aceti was also ordered to enroll in Gambler’s Anonymous as a condition of probation.  Aceti pleaded guilty on Sept. 29 to an accusation charging him with fourth-degree promoting gambling.

Aceti was required to forfeit his job as an enforcement officer for the Hudson County Improvement Authority and is permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.  Aceti was arrested on June 2, 2009 as a result of the investigation.

In pleading guilty, Aceti admitted that he was actively involved in promoting an illegal bookmaking operation in which he solicited individuals to place bets on sporting events by distributing telephone numbers which these individuals could call to place bets.  Aceti admitted that he also was responsible for collecting money from these bettors to cover their losses and ensuring that money was delivered to the winners.

Members of the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau North Unit conducted the investigation.  Deputy Attorney General David M. Fritch prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.   Deputy Attorney General Anthony Picione, Deputy Chief of the DCJ Corruption Bureau, represented the state at the sentencing.

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