Convicted gambling kingpin is arrested
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, February 2, 2006
The former mastermind of a gambling ring stretching from Allegheny County to San Diego was arrested Wednesday morning by federal agents on charges that he again is involved in illegal gambling -- violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Federal prosecutors allege that John F. "Duffy" Conley, formerly of Robinson, once again is involved heavily in gambling activity and associating with known felons.
They also claimed in court papers that Conley's gambling activities involve off-shore accounts and large sums of cash. Prosecutors asked that he be jailed because they believe he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.
In January, state authorities investigating organized crime raided nine locations in Allegheny and Washington counties, including a Carnegie business owned by Conley. The investigation into the crime ring began in February 2005, state police said.
Conley was released from federal prison in January 2004 after serving 10 years for a 1995 conviction on charges of running a $15 million-a-year video gambling-machine business in Western Pennsylvania.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
Conley's attorney, James Wymard, was unavailable for comment.
Jason Cato can be reached at jcato@tribweb.com or 412-320-7840.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, February 2, 2006
The former mastermind of a gambling ring stretching from Allegheny County to San Diego was arrested Wednesday morning by federal agents on charges that he again is involved in illegal gambling -- violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Federal prosecutors allege that John F. "Duffy" Conley, formerly of Robinson, once again is involved heavily in gambling activity and associating with known felons.
They also claimed in court papers that Conley's gambling activities involve off-shore accounts and large sums of cash. Prosecutors asked that he be jailed because they believe he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.
In January, state authorities investigating organized crime raided nine locations in Allegheny and Washington counties, including a Carnegie business owned by Conley. The investigation into the crime ring began in February 2005, state police said.
Conley was released from federal prison in January 2004 after serving 10 years for a 1995 conviction on charges of running a $15 million-a-year video gambling-machine business in Western Pennsylvania.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
Conley's attorney, James Wymard, was unavailable for comment.
Jason Cato can be reached at jcato@tribweb.com or 412-320-7840.
