Pennsylvania Democratic state Rep. Marc Gergely pleaded guilty this week to two misdemeanor charges against him that were linked to an illegal gambling case.
Gergely, who served as a White Oak representative of the 35th District in eastern Allegheny County, has been linked to the case brought against Ronald “Porky” Melocchi who ran an illegal video gambling operation. Melocchi was charged with supplying some 335 gambling machines to 70 bars, restaurants and bowling alleys in Pittsburgh.
Marc Gergely was accused of using his position as state lawmaker to settle the fears of business owners who were wary of placing gambling machines on their premises. Gergely’s support of the gambling operation gave business owners the impression that Melocchi has “friends in high places”, according to a prosecutor from the state attorney general’s office.
In 2010, Gergely and Louis Caputo, a prominent liquor license attorney, had a meal with McKeesport restaurant owner Theresa Ploskina and gave their support to Melocchi. Gergely encouraged Ploskina to enter into a business alliance with Melocchi, saying that he was “a good guy” to do business with. Ploskina already had her establishment raided three times for holding illegal gambling machines, and she had even been arrested and fined in the past. Melocchi gave Ploskina the impression that he had the backing of heavy-hitters who had enough influence to ensure that authorities turned a blind eye to any future gambling machines. The three were nabbed after the police listened in to Melocchi’s phone calls where he bragged about having Gergely and Caputo working for him.
The two misdemeanor charges against Gergely were on counts of conspiracy and of accepting an illegal campaign contribution. The judge withdrew felony charges against the representative. He is set to be sentenced on November 6th.
In the meantime, Louis Caputo, who, like Gergely, pleaded guilty, was sentenced to five years’ probation. Melocchi also pleaded guilty and was given ten years’ probation.
“It’s good that Gergely took responsibility for his conduct by admitting to his harmful actions and he will soon face the judgement of the court,” said House Democratic Leader, Frank Dermody said in a statement. “That’s the right result.”
After Gergely had charges filed against him, he opted to leave his position as the ranking Democrat on the House Labor and Industry Committee, although he was re-elected to the House seat in November.
