Two Springfield men convicted in gambling scheme

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004 | 9:15 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Two Springfield men accused of running a large-scale sports bookmaking business were convicted Monday of illegal gambling and money laundering, federal authorities said.

John Piteo, 45, and John Burritt, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to bookmaking charges including participating in an illegal gambling business and money laundering.

U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan's office said the two operated a sports bookmaking business between 1995 and 1998. Piteo also made interstate shipments by Federal Express to transport money and gambling records between Florida and Massachusetts, Sullivan's office said.

The two each face up to five years in jail and a $500,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 10.

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