It’s Official: Tocchet Pleads Guilty
As expected, Rick Tocchet pleaded guilty to gambling charges earlier this morning. However there is a chance that Tocchet may never the inside of a jail cell.
Former NHL player Rick Tocchet pleaded guilty Friday to running a sports gambling ring, but might not have to serve any jail time.
He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to promote gambling and promoting gambling. Such offences usually do not carry a jail sentence for first-time offenders.
“It’s a huge operation and I think it exposes to people the allure of gambling, illegal gambling, in New Jersey,” state Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw said outside the courthouse.
The maximum sentence for the charges Tocchet pleaded guilty to are 10 years in prison and a US$50,000 fine. Paw would not say whether prosecutors will ask for jail time for Tocchet.
So Tocchet probably won’t see time behind bars and his other two accomplices will? I’m thinking it might have something to do with Harney and Ulmer’s charges being higher than third-degree and the fact that Harney was a cop of all things.
Tocchet’s lawyer, Rick Marino did say outside of the courthouse that Tocchet hasn’t spoken to the NHL yet in regards to how the guilty pleas may affect his future as a coach in the league.
Update 615pm: The Phoenix Coyotes have released this statement:
The Phoenix Coyotes will await the completion of the National Hockey League’s investigation and will support whatever decision the Commissioner may render regarding Mr. Tocchet’s status.
- DS
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