5 LI Men Indicted Operating Illegal Gambling Operation: Nassau DA

MINEOLA, NY — Four men from Nassau County were indicted on Thursday for running an illegal gambling operation. A fifth person is from Suffolk County, prosecutors said.

Beginning in July 2023, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said her office had a 14-month investigation that involved wiretaps and other covert surveillance into an illegal online sportsbook allegedly operated by Anthony Frascone and Anthony Pellegrino.

Pellegrino allegedly established accounts through a website for the runners with unique usernames and passwords, Donnelly said.

“These five individuals allegedly operated a sophisticated online sports betting operation in Nassau County, profiting off of hundreds of bets that took place during the 14-month period of our investigation,” Donnelly said. “One bettor alone owed more than $150,000 in debt to this alleged operation, showing the breadth of this illegal book.”

Anthony Frascone, 75, of East Meadow, was arraigned on charges that include seven counts of first-degree promoting gambling, first-degree criminal usury, 54 counts of second-degree promoting gambling and fourth-degree conspiracy, Donnelly said.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. Fracone is due back in court on December 18. He faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Anthony Pellegrino, 59, of Merrick, faces seven counts of first-degree promoting gambling, 54 counts of second-degree promoting gambling and fourth-degree conspiracy, prosecutors said.

Pellegrino pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on December 19. Pellegrino faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Philip Carucci, 59, of Levittown, faces charges of first-degree promoting gambling, first-degree possession of gambling records and fifth-degree conspiracy, Donnelly said.

Carucci pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on December 18. Carucci faces up to one to three years in prison if convicted.

Frank LoNigro, 51, of Merrick, was arraigned on six counts of first-degree promoting gambling, one count of second-degree promoting gambling and one count of fifth-degree conspiracy, prosecutors said on Thursday.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. LoNigro is due back in court on December 19. He faces up to one to three years in prison if convicted.

Joseph Pietaro, 57, of West Islip, a former NYPD officer, was arraigned on 50 counts of second-degree promoting gambling and one count of fifth-degree conspiracy. Pietaro pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on December 18. Pietaro faces up to one to three years in prison if convicted.

NCDA determined that hundreds of bets were placed through the alleged illegal gambling operation and runners accepted multiple bets for thousands of dollars during the investigation.