16 charged in alleged illegal gambling operation

press release

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced charges against 16 people in connection with an alleged illegal gambling operation in and around McKeesport, Pa.

Evidence was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended the charges being filed today.

In October 2012, the Organized Crime Section of the Office of the Attorney General – in cooperation with the Pennsylvania State Police – initiated a wiretap on the cell phone being used by Ronald Melocchi. Through his company, Black Alley Vending, Melocchi was installing, servicing and maintaining video gambling devices in bars, restaurants and other businesses in the McKeesport area. Back Alley Vending was based in Glassport, Pa.

The investigation eventually grew to include alleged illegal lotteries and sports betting.

On December 10, 2012, approximately 70 sealed state search warrants were executed at homes, businesses and banks associated with the alleged criminal operation. Approximately 354 video machines were seized. Investigators say
most of them were equipped with \”knock-off switches\” and internal meters, which made them illegal gambling devices. A large amount of cash – more than a million dollars – was also seized, according to investigators.

Below is a complete list of the defendants and the charges against them.

Ronald Melocchi Sr., 54, 324 Vernon Drive, West Newton, is charged with two counts of corrupt organization, one count of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, one count in criminal use of a communication facility, one count of lotteries, one count of pool selling and bookmaking and two counts of conspiracy.

Kirk A. Mollica, 46, 506 Princess Drive, Elizabeth, is charged with two counts of corrupt organization, one count of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, one count of lotteries, one count of gambling devices and two counts of conspiracy.

Ronald D. Prest, 65, 109 Midway Drive, White Oak, is charged with two counts of corrupt organization, one count of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, one count of criminal use of a communication facility, one count of gambling devices and one count of conspiracy.

Terence P. McNelis, 52, 4812 McAnaulty Drive, Pittsburgh, is charged with one count of corrupt organization, one count of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, one count of lotteries, one count of pool selling and bookmaking and one count of conspiracy.

Daniel K. Carr, 55, 3411 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, is charged with two counts of corrupt organization and two counts of gambling devices.

Eugene Thomas Kowalski, 65, 1401 Willow Heights Drive, North Huntingdon, is charged with two counts of corrupt organization, one count of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, one count of gambling devices and one count of conspiracy.

Robert H. Bogesdorfer, 67, 938 10th St., Irwin, is charged with two counts of corrupt organization, one count of dealing in proceeds of illegal activity, one count of gambling devices and one count of conspiracy.

*Mark Holtzman currently is the Chief of Police in Forward Township, Allegheny County. He did not hold that position at the time of the events described in this press release.

The case is being handled by Senior Deputy Attorney General Michael Ahwesh. Kane thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for initiating the investigation, and for their ongoing assistance with it.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

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