12 charged with running betting ring

MINEOLA, N.Y., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Two New York City brothers allegedly headed a sports betting operation that took in $30 million in wagers in the last five years, authorities said Wednesday.

Stephen Rozich, 55, who lives in the neighborhood of Douglaston in Queens, and Douglas Rozich, 52, who lives in neighboring Little Neck, were among 12 people arrested Monday, Newsday reported. They have been charged with promoting gambling.

Most of the arrests were made in a raid on the organization's alleged wire room in the College Point neighborhood of Queens. The Rozich brothers were arrested at home.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, at a news conference to announce the arrests, said that the organization took bets on pro and college football. Between March and November, undercover detectives placed bets by phone or with runners around Long Island allegedly linked to the group.

The Rozich brothers have allegedly been involved in illegal gambling for 25 years.

"It never ceases to amaze me the extent to which people will go to avoid an honest day's work," Rice said. "In addition to breaking the law, gambling rings cheat the tax system and skirt the rules we are all forced to live by."