Former NYSP Sergeant Pleads Guilty To Tipping Off Target Of Gambling Investigation

ROCHESTER, NY--U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Thomas J. Loewke, 51, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to obstruction of a state or local law enforcement investigation, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2020, the New York State Police, together with other local and federal law enforcement agencies, began an investigation into the illegal gambling activities of Louis P. Ferrari II and others. Loewke, who was aware that Ferrari owned an illegal bookmaking operation, learned of the investigation on December 17, 2021. On December 27, 2021, Loewke disclosed the existence of the investigation to Ferrari. On January 2, 2021, Ferrari used this information to attempt to obstruct the investigation by changing the password of his sports betting website, changing the appearance of the sports betting website, and deleting the history of bets placed through his sports betting website.

Charges of conspiracy, transmission of wagering information, operation of an illegal gambling business, and money laundering, remain pending against Ferrari.

The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Brian Ratajczak, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.  

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