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A Stamford, Connecticut man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in running an illegal online sportsbook that authorities claim had ties to organized crime.
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly announced Wednesday that Silverio Califano, 53, of Stamford, was sentenced Feb. 26 by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford followed by three years of supervised release. He must also forfeit $40,000 and was fined another $4000.
Califano, Dean DePreta, Richard Uva and 17 other individuals, most of whom resided in Connecticut, were charged in connection with running the illegal Costa Rica-based website 44Wager.com. That site has since been shut down.
The FBI claims that 44Wager.com took in nearly $1.7 million from October 2010 to June 2011.
On May 6, 2013, Califano pleaded guilty to two counts of operating an illegal gambling business. DePreta and Uva have each plead guilty.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
