Sheriff: Paterson gambling joints busted second time, three arrested
By Jonathan Greene
Published: January 14, 2016
Three men were arrested on gambling charges Wednesday in a second round of raids at two city businesses, according to Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik.
Authorities arrested Jose C. Colon, 48; Domingo Urena, 49; and Luis Bencosme, 66, on various gambling charges, Berdnik said.
The three city men were accepting bets on the Dominican Lottery at the Community Mini Mart located at 546 Market Street and 1st Stop Mini Mart located at 548 Market Street, authorities said.
“The individuals who accepted the money would use a computer and receipt printer at the location to log into larger illegal gambling sights to place the bets for the customers,” Berdnik said.
Store owner Colon was arrested at the Community Mini Mart while managers Urena and Bencosme were arrested at the 1st Stop Mini Mart.
Authorities seized $4,974 in suspected gambling proceeds from the two locations. Berdnik said numerous bets were placed every day at the locations, but the money was removed from the locations periodically during the day to prevent cash build up.
All three have been charged with promoting gambling, possession of gambling receipts, possession of gambling devices, and maintaining a nuisance, authorities said. All three were released pending court appearance.
Authorities busted the same locations arresting Colon and Urena in October 2014.
“Illegal gambling is an offense that hurts any community. The PCSO will continue to focus offenses that affects the quality of life of residents,” Berdnik said.