Pennsylvania Lawmaker Pleads Not Guilty In Gambling Probe
GIBSONIA, Pa. (AP) - A state lawmaker accused of using his political influence to benefit an illegal video gambling ring has pleaded not guilty.
Democratic state Rep. Marc Gergely appeared Wednesday at his arraignment before a district judge in the Pittsburgh suburbs. He signed a document but didn't speak.
State prosecutors say Gergely was a key cog in an illegal video gambling operation that had some 335 machines at 70 restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and other locations outside Pittsburgh.
More than a dozen people have been charged including the 46-year-old Gergely, a seven-term lawmaker.
Gergely faces three felonies, including dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity and two counts of corrupt organizations, plus three misdemeanors.
Defense attorney Charles Porter Jr. says, "We are not going to try it in the media, we'll do our talking in court."
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