Farmington Woman Pleads Guilty to an Illegal Gambling Operation

St. Louis, MO – Carol Jean Hazer, 60, of Farmington, pled guilty to running an illegal gambling business and filing false tax returns that failed to list her income from the gambling business. She appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey and set her sentencing for January 17, 2018. 

According to her plea agreement, Hazer organized and ran an illegal high stakes sports betting operation, in part by utilizing internet websites.  She admitted to engaging in money laundering and unlawful monetary transactions, including the purchase of a house and a vehicle using the proceeds of their crimes.  Hazer also filed false tax returns trying to conceal the income from the illegal gambling business.  The gambling business accrued nearly $500,000 in revenue during its operation.

Hazer now faces up to 20 years in prison and/fines up to $500,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gwen Carroll is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.