March 3, 2015

Harrisburg Man Involved in Illegal Sports Gambling Sentenced to Probation

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Michael Puglisse, 68, of Harrisburg, was sentenced today for conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling. U.S. District Court Judge William W. Caldwell sentenced Puglisse to one year probation and ordered him to pay a fine of $4,000.

According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Puglisse had a role in the illegal sports gambling organization operated by Steven Sheely, Sr. Sheely recently pled guilty, agreed to forfeit roughly $800,000.00 in seized assets, and is awaiting sentencing. Before imposing sentence, Judge Caldwell noted Puglisse’s minor criminal record and limited role in the organization, as well as Puglisse’s military record.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.