Police break New York gambling ring

Thursday, June 15, 2000 | 9:59 a.m.

During a six-month investigation that included the NCAA's "March Madness" championship basketball tournament, authorities said they listened in with court-sanctioned wiretaps as bettors phoned in wagers to a Rotterdam house.

The operation took in $10,000 to $25,000 in bets a day on sports bets from Albany, Saratoga and Schenectady counties, according to State Police.

Raymond F. Callanan, 40, of Guilderland and Douglas M. Horton, 42, of Niskayuna are each charged with three counts of first-degree promoting gambling and a misdemeanor charge of fifth-degree conspiracy.

Michael A. Willig, 45, Mark France, 40, and James D. Reynolds, 52, all allegedly worked at the house answering telephones and taking bets.

France is charged with two felony counts of promoting gambling and fifth-degree conspiracy; Willig is charged with one promoting charge and one fifth-degree conspiracy count; and Reynolds faces two felony promoting charges, one felony count of possession of gambling records and fifth-degree conspiracy.

During the April 1 raid, police obtained more than $150,000 in gambling records and $50,000 in cash.

Also charged were Michael M. Ruggiero, 40, of Gansevoort and Wayne M. Collins, 49, of Scotia with promoting gambling and conspiracy.

Collins was given an appearance ticket for Scotia Village Court June 22. The rest of the men were given tickets to appear in Rotterdam Town Court June 22. More arrests are possible, police said.

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