 Two involved in NBA betting scandal back in court
Two involved in NBA betting scandal back in court
By Anthony DeStefano | Newsday Staff Writer
7:07 PM EDT, July 23, 2008
Two Pennsylvania gamblers involved in the NBA betting scandal will be rolling the dice one more time today when they learn if a stay in prison is in their futures.
James Battista and Thomas Martino are scheduled to appear in Brooklyn federal court where a judge will decide if they go to prison for being part of a wagering scheme that also brought down ex-referee Timothy Donaghy.
Under federal sentencing guidelines Battista faces a possible sentence of ten to 16 months while Martino could get 12 to 18 months from Judge Carol B. Amon. Under federal law Amon can give them lesser or greater sentences than the guidelines.
Yesterday Amon ruled that Martino. Battista and Donaghy were jointly liable for $149,448 in restitution to the NBA. She also said that Battista and Martino jointly share a $13,650 in restitution, adding that each had separate liabilities for a few thousand dollars more.
Prosecutors said Battista and Martino got betting recommendations from Donaghy in 2006 and 2007. Donaghy was paid for any correct picks that led to good bets, said investigators.
Donaghy is scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday and faces a possible sentence of up to 33 months.  |