Additional Charges Filed Against Former Liquor Enforcement Officer

February 5, 2010 - PHILADELPHIA—A superseding indictment was returned today charging Gina Marie Kepler, a former State Police Liquor Enforcement Officer, with two additional counts of Hobbs Act extortion committed between October 2006 and October 2008, bringing the total number of Hobbs Act extortions charged to nine counts, announced United States Attorney Michael L. Levy. According to the superseding indictment, Kepler used the power of her official position to obtain money from the owners of establishments that serve alcoholic beverages to patrons.

In her capacity as a Liquor Enforcement Officer, or LEO, Kepler had the authority to inspect businesses serving alcohol, to conduct investigations regarding the illegal sale of alcohol, to issue citations, and to order establishments to close if found in violation of Pennsylvania’s liquor laws. According to the superseding indictment, Kepler was soliciting or collecting money in connection with her official duties which is prohibited by Pennsylvania’s Rules of Conduct for Enforcement Officers. The superseding indictment details nine separate instances in which Kepler is alleged to have used her official capacity to extort money from bars and restaurants holding liquor licenses. The establishments include: The Chill Bar in Holland, Bucks County; Kenny’s Spirited Eatery in Southampton, Bucks County; Johnny Apples Restaurant in Holland, Bucks County; Maggio’s in Southampton, Bucks County; the Langhorne Hotel in Langhorne, Bucks County; Jerzee’s Sports Bar in Glenside, Montgomery County; Bobby’s Burgers Tavern in Conshohocken, Montgomery County; Creek Side Inn in Chalfont, Bucks County; and, the former Finn McCools in Warrington, Bucks County.

According to the superseding indictment, Kepler promised the business owners that, in exchange for money, she would give them “scanners” to use in checking the identification of their patrons. But Kepler never delivered the scanners, or delivered them only to collect them later. Kepler also allegedly received money from two owners in exchange for the promise to resolve a regulatory or legal violation. Finally, Kepler allegedly borrowed money from one owner and never repaid it.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE DEFENDANT

Gina Marie Kepler Warrington, PA 34

If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 180 years' imprisonment, a $2,250,000 fine, three years supervised release, and a $900 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arlene D. Fisk.