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Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced on Thursday, Nov. 7 that the news comes after a 14-month investigation involving wiretaps and surveillance.
The investigation, which began in July 2023, allegedly uncovered an illegal sportsbook operation running from September 2023 to April 2024.
According to the indictment, Anthony Pellegrino, age 59, of Merrick, set up online accounts for his associates — Joseph Pietaro, age 57, of West Islip; Philip Carucci, age 59, of Levittown; and Frank LoNigro, age 51, of Merrick — who acted as “runners” responsible for managing bettors.
Pietaro is the ex-NYPD officer.
The runners allegedly used unique logins to track bets and profits, settling debts in person and splitting proceeds with Pellegrino.
Anthony Frascone, age 75, of East Meadow, identified as the alleged leader, reportedly kept records and collected a portion of the sportsbook’s earnings, which he shared with other associates.
“These five individuals allegedly operated a sophisticated online sports betting operation in Nassau County, profiting off of hundreds of bets,” said Donnelly. “One bettor alone owed more than $150,000, showing the breadth of this illegal book. My office is committed to dismantling illegal gambling networks.”
In addition to the gambling operation, Frascone and Pellegrino allegedly engaged in loansharking activities, extending a usurious loan to at least one individual, with an interest rate equating to 156 percent per year.
All five defendants surrendered to NCDA detectives Thursday.
They face various charges, including promoting gambling, conspiracy, and criminal usury.
Each has pleaded not guilty and was released on recognizance.
They are due back in court in December.
Frascone and Pellegrino could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
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