A joint federal-state investigation of an alleged gambling ring led to the arrest of 13 people in and around Hartford, CT. Among them are an elected official and the host of a radio sports talk show.
According to the Hartford Courant, Joseph Schlosser, who uses the air name “Sebastian” on CBS Radio’s WTIC-AM Hartford, is charged with professional gambling and transmitting gambling information. Sebastian hosts the show “WTIC’s Pregame Blitz” along with former NFL New England Patriots player Tebucky Jones. The talk show airs ahead of Monday and Thursday NFL games, but WTIC Operations Manager Steven Salhany told the newspaper that the show would not air Thursday evening.
Also arrested was Randy Petroniro, a Wolcott, CT town councilman who has subsequently resigned his elected office. The people arrested, 13 in all, face a variety of gambling-related charges. Additional arrests are also anticipated.
The Courant reported that police seized a number of luxury automobiles which they said were purchased with proceeds from the betting ring. The illegal gambling reportedly involved various college and professional sports.
The FBI, IRS, Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office and Statewide Organized Crime Investigative Task Force were all involved in the yearlong probe.
