Home St. Louis Press Releases 2010 Local Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gambling Charges
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Local Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gambling Charges

U.S. Attorney’s Office March 24, 2010
  • Eastern District of Missouri

ST. LOUIS, MO—The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Douglas Brown entered a guilty plea to federal charges involving an illegal gambling business.

According to court documents, between November 2006 and November 2007 Brown operated an illegal gambling business which involved pool-making and making wagers on sporting events.

DOUGLAS LEE BROWN, St. Louis, pleaded guilty to one felony count of operating an illegal gambling business before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry. Sentencing has been set for June 17, 2010. 

In addition to the felony charges above, both defendants were charged with a forfeiture count, which if convicted, will require the forfeiture of money and property derived from the illegal activity. With his plea, Brown agreed to forfeit approximately $295,431, computer equipment and five firearms.

Michael Joseph Russo, formerly of St. Louis, now residing in Naples, Florida, was indicted last March with Brown on one felony count of operating an illegal gambling business. He is set for trial March 29, 2010.

Operating an illegal gambling business carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Louis County Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ed Rogers is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and Mr. Russo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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