jen had my curious, so I googled it...
[FONT=Georgia !important]Thirteen people who police say were involved in a gambling ring centered in northern Rhodes Island were arraigned in District Court Providence this afternoon on charges that included organized criminal gambling, bookmaking and conspiracy.[/FONT]
[FONT=Georgia !important]One of the people charged, David P. Ayotte, 53, has worked with the Woonsocket Parks and Recreation Department for 20 years and is the alleged leader of the gambling ring according, according to state police Lt. Col Michael J. Winquist. Police allege Ayotte routinely conducted his illegal enteprise during his shift with the city. [/FONT]
[FONT=Georgia !important]During the investigation the police executed search warrants in four places including The Golden Advance a pawnshop and check cashing place on 100 Bernon St., owned by Daniel Baldelli, the brother of Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli Hunt. Winquist said Baldelli was not charged. Police seized $100,000 from the pawn shop, he said. Ayotte is known to have frequented the shop, he said.[/FONT]
[FONT=Georgia !important]State police and the office of the Attorney General started their investigation June of 2013 based on information they received from an informant and ended with the Tuesday arrests. Police seized approximately $260,000, seven firearms, two cars, numerous betting slips, transaction ledger and pool wagering cards.[/FONT]
[FONT=Georgia !important]The state police and office of attorney general used court authorized wiretaps intercepting approximately 1700 telephone calls between December 29 of 2013 through Feb. 3, 2014. During these phone calls and text messages it is alleged that approximately $130,000 of illegal sports wagers were accepted by Ayotte of 634 Old Smithfield Rd., North Smithfield, who is the principal suspect of the investigation, state police said.[/FONT]