Say Secaucus man ran illegal bet biz
Friday, May 09, 2008 By MICHAELANGELO CONTE NJ JOURNAL STAFF WRITER
A Secaucus man is among 23 reputed members and associates of various Mafia families charged by federal authorities yesterday, including a man they say is the highest ranking member of the Gambino crime family in the Garden State.
FBI officials characterized Andrew Merola of East Hanover and Toms River - also know as "Andrew Knapik" - as a made member of the Gambino crime family and said he is the organization's highest ranking member in New Jersey.
Special Agent in Charge Weysan Dun said Merola directed various activities for associates and crews of the Gambinos that ranged from illegal gambling to racketeering and extortion. Ten people were arrested yesterday morning and 13 others were issued summons to appear in court.
Among those charged in the 30-count indictment is Edward Deak, 44, of Secaucus.
Deak, who was arrested yesterday, is charged with one count of operating an illegal gambling business, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Michael Drewniak.
The indictment says Deak, as well as Gennaro Forte, Justin Cerrato, Charles Russo, Vincent Derogatis, Eric Maione, Christopher Doscher and Anthony Marra, were involved in the Merola crew's gambling operation as gambling agents.
As gambling agents they controlled and were responsible for any bettors they brought into the gambling operation, according to the indictment. They physically collected and paid out gambling wins and losses on behalf of Merola and reputed Gambino associate Ralph Cicalese, 55, of Roseland, and received a cut of losses incurred by their bettors, the indictment says.
Bets were placed by individual bettors through a Web site that operated overseas and by telephone calls placed to a toll-free telephone number. Bets would be placed on sporting events as well as casino-style gambling, officials said.
Drewniak said no additional in formation on the allegations against Deak was available.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
