Casino Owner DeNaples' Perjury Charges Dropped In Pennsylvania

A casino owner in Pennsylvania had perjury charges dropped this week in exchange for him giving up ownership rights of his casino. Louis DeNaples must sign the casino over to his daughter as part of the deal with prosecutors.

DeNaples had been charged to lying to state gaming investigators about his involvement with organized crime figures in the state. The charges of four counts of perjury were brought on back in January of 2008.

"I am relieved and gratified that the district attorney has recognized that the criminal charges against me are baseless, and that he has decided to do the right thing and drop the charges altogether," said DeNaples in a statement.

DeNaples lawyers have been attempting to have the charges dismissed for over a year. Dauphin County District attorney Ed Marsico spun the dropped charges as a victory for the state.

"Our primary goal in the investigation was to remove Mr. DeNaples from the gaming industry," said Marsico, The agreement guarantees that. It is in the best interest of the taxpayers of Dauphin County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Although the prosecutor felt it was a victory for the state, DeNaples has maintained his innocence throughout the legal battle. The casino being turned over to his daughter will not exactly completely remove DeNaples from the gaming picture.

"I have said from the start that I am innocent, and that's the truth,' said DeNaples, "I have said from the start that I have no connection to organized crime, and that's the truth. I am glad we have finally put these issues to rest."

April 14, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!