Rick Tocchet avoids jail, only probation in gambling case

Former NHL All-Star player Rick Tocchet was sentenced to two years of probation for participation in a gambling ring.

Rick Tocchet avoids jail, only probation in gambling case Rick Tocchet, the former NHL All-Star and Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach, was sentenced today to two years of probation for his part in the illegal gambling ring. Tocchet plead guilty in May to conspiring in a gambling operation with a former NJ state trooper James Harney. The gambling ring took more than a million in bets, mostly from celebrities and athletes.

The statement from the Attorney General Anne Milgram read: "Today's sentence reflects the fact that Mr. Tocchet is a first-time offender. But make no mistake, he is paying a heavy price for his foray into the world of illegal bookmaking. He must now live with the stigma and consequences of being a convicted felon.''

The legal team of Rick Tocchet published the following statement: "While Rick Tocchet does not in any way wish to diminish the seriousness of his conduct, he believes that the sentence, a sentence virtually required by the terms of the deal agreed to by the state, appropriately reflects his level of culpability. Mr. Tocchet is deeply sorry for the embarrassment his actions have brought to the NHL, his family and friends.''

James Harney, the state trooper, was sentenced to five years in prison in early August, after pleading guilty to the illegal gambling charges. A third man involved in the betting conspiracy, James Ulmer, also plead guilty and will be sentenced on August 24th.

Published on 08/16/2007