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US Attorney Files to Seize Bar for Online Gambling
WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA --
The US Attorney's Office filed forfeiture proceedings against a sports bar in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, alleging that the owner collected and paid debts from an online gambling site at the business. Patte's Sports Bar is tied by investigators to a sports betting website whose patrons would come to the bar to settle their Internet gambling plays.
According to the complaint filed in civil court by US authorities, the bar's owner, Patrick Patte Jr., operated an online sports book called willtobet.com. Undercover agents from the FBI allegedly placed bets at the online gambling site over the last eight months, and paid or collected as their luck ran at the tavern.
An attorney representing Patte said the proprietor and he had been unaware of the federal action until informed by reporters. Mike Butera admitted officials could seek to close the bar immediately, but asked they allow it to remain open while the court reviews the case.
"Everybody in this country should have an opportunity to defend themselves before an action is taken,” said Butera.
Patte was arrested and charged with violating the Wire Act, a 1961 law outlawing bookmaking on phone lines that courts have found also applies to sports wagering on the Internet.
TV reporters covering the scene have met increasingly hostile action from Patte's employees and regulars, who fear the loss of their neighborhood bar. One member of the media claimed Patte almost hit him with his SUV, although Patte told police the vehicle slipped on an icy road.
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