Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gambling Charge
| U.S. Attorney’s Office March 25, 2010 |
ST. LOUIS, MO—The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Michael Russo, formerly of St. Louis, entered a guilty plea to federal charges involving an illegal gambling business.
According to court documents, between November 2006 and November 2007, Michael Russo aided Douglas Brown in an illegal gambling business, which involved pool-making and making wagers on sporting events.
MICHAEL JOSEPH RUSSO, formerly of St. Louis, now residing in Naples, Florida, pleaded guilty this morning to one felony count of operating an illegal gambling business before United States District Judge Rodney Sippel. Sentencing has been set for June 23, 2010.
In addition to the felony charge above, Russo agreed to forfeit computer programs and bookkeeping records.
Douglas Lee Brown, St. Louis, pleaded guilty yesterday to one felony count of operating an illegal gambling business and is scheduled for sentencing on June 17, 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 Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ed Rogers is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.