ABC and NBC News affiliates in Philadelphia report that the New Jersey attorney general says former NHL player Rick Tocchet and a state police trooper will face charges related to a gambling ring allegedly tied to organized crime.
A press conference held in Trenton, N.J., announced that state trooper James Harney and a man identified as James Ulmer of Swedesboro were arrested in connection with the ring.
NBC News 10 also reported that a complaint summons has been issued for Tocchet and he is expected to travel to New Jersey to surrender on the charges, ABC News 6 adds that Tocchet is to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, according to state police Col. Rick Fuentes.
According to authorities, an investigation conducted last October showed that Harney and Ulmer were involved in the bookmaking ring. It was then uncovered that Harney’s partner and financier was Tocchet. Officials also said the investigation revealed alleged ties to the New Jersey-based Bruno-Scarfo crime family.
Authorities added they were also investigating current and former NHL players and a Hollywood movie star as clients of the alleged ring.
(UPDATE : More on the charges against Tocchet, along with claims that Janet Jones, wife of Coyotes coach and part-owner Wayne Gretzky, is amongst those who placed sports wagers with the Phoenix assistant.)