3 New Jersey residents arrested for promoting illegal gambling

PATERSON, N.J. — Federal and local authorities arrested three northern New Jersey individuals Saturday on state charges of promoting illegal gambling.

These arrests resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Passaic County (New Jersey) Narcotics, Gangs and Violent Crimes Task Force.

Authorities arrested the following on one count each of promoting gambling, and possession of gambling records:

• Diana A. Nunez, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey,
• Maximo Beltre, 45, of Paterson, New Jersey, and
• Carlos B. Nouel, 40, of Egg Harbor, New Jersey.

Both charges are third degree offenses punishable by up to five years in state prison.

Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at the V. Hookah Supplies Store, the 9J Barber Shop and a gambling establishment, all located in Paterson, New Jersey. Officers and federal agents recovered gambling records, receipts and the proceeds of illegal gambling operations in excess of $5,000.

State law does not punish players, but a person operating an illegal gambling enterprise, or possessing equipment or records used for illegal gambling can face up to 5 years imprisonment depending on the quantity and size of the bets.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.