Joseph Stentella Illegal Sportsbook Operator Sentenced

Wednesday September 26,2012  : STATEN ISLAND ONLINE SPORTS BETTING BUST WRAPS UP (Update)
 
Assets valued in the seven-figures forfeited
 
US Federal enforcement action in May last year that saw the arrest of 28 men in a Staten Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania bust of an online sports betting ring has this week culminated in the sentencing of the ringleader of the betting scheme Joseph Stentella.
 
Stentella (57) was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation, and although he has already served the jail time awaiting trial, he'll feel the pain in the loss of his surrendered assets which were valued in total in the seven-figure range.  Seized assets included $5.7 million in assets, three homes, rental property Stentella owns in Costa Rica and 14 classic cars, along with $50 000 in cash.
 
Son, Anthony Stentella (30) was sentenced to five years probation earlier this year.
 
Authorities estimate around 600 people placed bets through Stentella's scheme which they say took in $100 000 a week, and more during football season.