press release September 6, 2013

WOODBURY NJ–A state appeals court today (9/6) affirmed the conviction of an Audubon NJ man who was prosecuted for taking a $1250 deposit from a Washington Township NJ woman for exterior work on a house that he never performed.

Dan Flaherty (DOB 1/26/59) was found guilty of theft by failure to make required disposition on 6/21/11 in a non-jury trial before Judge Walter A. Marshall Jr., who heard testimony from victim and defendant and found the victim to be \”very credible.\” Judge Marshall sentenced Flaherty to two years probation and ordered the $1,250 to be repaid.

By Mark Matthews

Update/Related: Wawa in-store fresh baked rolls come to Bellmawr

press release 

Collegeville, Pa … The College of New Jersey football team staged a late-game rally, but fell short 28-20 to Ursinus College in its season opener in Collegeville, Pa on Friday night.

Down 28-6 entering the final quarter, a 22-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Christopher Spellman (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Bishop Eustace Prep) to junior Kyle Janeczek (Allenwood, NJ/Wall) cut the deficit to 28-20 with 8:17 to play. But a 12-play, 37-yard drive eliminated 7:15 from the clock as the Bears secured their first victory of the season and spoiled the opener for new Lions’ head coach Wayne Dickens.

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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