Feds Charge 14 in Illegal NJ Online Gambling Ring

Federal prosecutors say 14 people have been charged in an illegal online gambling operation run out of northern New Jersey.

U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman says 13 people, including alleged members of the Genovese organized crime family and its LaScala Crew, face charges of racketeering conspiracy. The other defendant's charged with transmission of wagering information.

Fishman says the gambling website was maintained in Costa Rica, but bettors paid or received money in New Jersey.

The Lascala Crew is also accused of cargo theft and receipt and sale of stolen goods. They also allegedly profit from illegal gambling at social clubs it operates in north Jersey and elsewhere.

The defendants were due to make their initial court appearances Tuesday afternoon. Two of them remain at large.