David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL J. GRAZIANO, 45, of Burlington, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to one count of money laundering.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2006 and 2009, GRAZIANO operated an illegal sports bookmaking business that involved at least four other individuals, including a number of sub-bookmakers, each of whom had a network of bettors.  As part of his gambling business, GRAZIANO also used two online betting web sites.  The sub-bookmakers received a commission on losses incurred by their bettors.  Sub-bookmakers and bettors also received a 10 percent commission when they brought new gamblers into GRAZIANO’s illegal sports-bookmaking operation.

Between 2006 and December 2009, even though GRAZIANO nor his wife had any other employment or source of income, GRAZIANO deposited or caused others to deposit 26 checks in amounts of more than $10,000 into bank accounts that GRAZIANO controlled.  The checks, which were payments of gambling debts, totaled approximately $515,329.

Judge Kravitz has scheduled sentencing for June 19, 2012, at which time GRAZIANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to approximately $1 million.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force, and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anastasia Enos King.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

 

 

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