4 arrested in illegal N.J. gambling operation

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, along with the Morris County Prosecutors Office (MCPO), Pequannock Township Police, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police arrested four men Thursday on state gambling charges.

Approximately $60,000 in gambling proceeds was seized as part of the operation. Also seized, were multiple gambling machines valued at over $100,000, as well as other items which were used to operate the illegal business.

"The results of this enforcement operation are the product of each law enforcement agency's unique expertise and extraordinary cooperation during the course of the investigation," said Andrew McLees, special agent in charge of HSI Newark. "HSI will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to uncover illicit transactions involving these types of financial crimes."

The following were charged for their involvement in the scheme:

Chester Ward, Gary Roach, Jason R. Bolsch and Jeffrey T. Spencer, all residents of Wayne, N.J., are charged with promoting/operating a gambling facility, promoting gambling by conduct that materially aids gambling activity, maintaining a gambling resort, and conspiracy to maintain a gambling resort.

As part of this multi-agency joint undercover operation, officers and special agents were utilized to infiltrate the business and identify the alleged illegal activity which was taking place.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.