Online Gambling Sweep Busts 42

March 30, 2008

In what can be considered one of the largest online gambling busts in recent history in New Jersey, 42 participants were arrested in what they referred to as “Operation Off the Hook.” New Jersey State and local county authorities worked in conjunction on the deal to try and stop online gambling in its tracks.

According to police, the ring handled more than $1 million a month in online gambling bets. The investigation had lasted more than seven months, and ended in the seizure of $5 million as well as five pounds of marijuana. They also seized five vehicles at the scene.

The police say that the masterminds behind the online gambling ring were the well known Genovese crime family out of New York. Among those arrested were John Prato and Jerry Maietta. Prato was a teacher and Maietta was an athletics director and coach – both from North Bergen High School.

Both were charged with promoting online gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling. Maietta was also charged with possession of gambling records. James J. Skinner and his father James W. Skinner were both identified as the ringleaders of the online gambling ring.

Others were involved in the online gambling ring, and several others were from the same high school. Police say that this all started with a probe of illegal gambling in Bergen County and it grew to include drug trafficking and money laundering.

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