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Prospect Park councilman Anand Shah was indicted last week on 18 charges in connection to an illegal gambling ring. Charges include multiple counts of money laundering and racketeering in the first degree.
Shah was arrested last April in connection to the operation, which included underground poker and offshore sports betting. The Garden State currently offers legal online casinos and sports betting platforms.
Shah is seeking another three-year term as a councilman in November.
More charges filed against Shah
According to northjersey.com, a 78-page indictment document revealed new charges in the illegal gambling ring. The report indicated that Shah was charged with second-degree official misconduct, second-degree theft by extortion and third-degree tampering with public records.
The investigation found four poker clubs in Totowa, Garfield and Woodland Park, illegal gambling machines in Paterson and offshore sportsbooks. It resulted in the findings of more than $3 million.
Shah’s attorney maintains his innocence and looking “forward to having our day in court, so that the matter can be heard on its merits.”
His post-indictment arraignment date is set for Oct. 24. Shah could face between 10 and 20 years in prison.
Prospect Park Mayor weighs in
After Shah’s arrest back in April, Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah made it clear the standard public officials are held to. He said:
“While we do not yet know the full scope or outcome of the legal process ahead, I want to reaffirm that this administration holds all public officials to the highest standards of ethics and accountability. Our commitment to lawful and transparent governance remains firm.
“This is undoubtedly a difficult time for Councilman Shah’s family and those close to him. I ask that we allow the legal process to proceed without speculation.”
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin added that the component of online gambling makes crime different than it did 50 years ago. However, it’s still “motivated by greed and power,” he said in April.
