Hogsett Announces Indictment of Eight on Charges of Operating an Illegal Gambling Ring

U.S. Attorney Says More Than $126,000, Silver Bars, and Multiple Cars Seized as Part of Investigation

NEW ALBANY—Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today the federal indictment of eight Louisville-area residents on charges that they operated an illegal interstate gambling business. Hogsett also announced that as a result of an 18-month federal investigation, agents have seized over $126,000 in suspected gambling proceeds, a number of pure silver bars, several different real properties, and numerous personal vehicles.

“Crime almost always begets more crime, and under-the-table bookmaking like what has been alleged often acts as a magnet for other illegal activities,” Hogsett said. “Just as important, illegal gambling operations deny Hoosiers in southern Indiana the tax revenues they deserve.”

The indictment alleges that beginning at least in January 2009, eight area men operated an illegal gambling business out of various locations in Jeffersonville. It is alleged that the business, which involved an interstate network of sports bookmaking, was at times handling thousands of dollars a day in wagers. These activities were also in violation of state law.

An investigation into the alleged criminal activity was launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, in collaboration with the Indiana Gaming Commission, and the Indiana State Police and the Jeffersonville Police Department.

As part of this investigation, on May 23, 2012, eight search warrants and seven seizure warrants were executed on various properties in the Louisville and Jeffersonville area, resulting in the seizure of evidence relating to the alleged criminal acts.

As a result, the following individuals were charged by indictment today:

■Terry Crofford, a/k/a “TC,” age 60, of Jeffersonville, Indiana

■Jamie Duley, a/k/a “JD” or “J-Town,” age 54, of Jeffersonville, Indiana

■James Baker, a/k/a “Shake,” age 62, of Clarksville, Indiana

■George Blair, a/k/a “Mound,” age 53, of Jeffersonville, Indiana

■Steven Harkins, a/k/a “Hark,” age 55, of Louisville, Kentucky

■Jeffrey Hash, age 61, of Louisville, Kentucky

■James Payne, a/k/a “Jamie,” age 44, of Pleasureville, Kentucky

■Harold Joyce, a/k/a “Trey,” age 44, of Louisville, Kentucky

In the course of serving these warrants, federal prosecutors located roughly $126,000 in currency believed to be connected to the criminal allegations. They also seized a number of pure silver bars, the value of which is still being determined. The search warrants also revealed equipment that is alleged to have been part of the criminal operation, including business and financial records, gambling records, and personal computers.

The indictment also lists personal and business property that has been seized by the federal government as part of this investigation, all of which could be forfeited if the defendants are convicted. This includes multiple bank accounts in the name of Terry Crofford and TC Auto, property located in Jeffersonville and Utica, as well as a number of vehicles, including a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle, and a 2005 Ford Mustang GT convertible.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley P. Shepard, who is prosecuting the case for the government, all eight individuals could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if they are found guilty.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.