Three charged in '08 poker game raid

UPPER ALLEN, Pennsylvania -- As reported by The Patriot-News: "This wasn't just a group of guys playing poker in an upstairs room, authorities say.

"It was a profitable gambling organization that netted thousands for three midstate men who were charged Thursday with illegal gambling, pool selling and bookmaking after a yearlong investigation by Upper Allen Twp. Police, authorities said.

"...The games were held Thursday through Sunday nights and the pair would split a $600 to $800 profit per week, papers stated.

"...After a week of surveillance, police raided a poker game there and seized about $14,000, court documents state. In addition to the cash, police confiscated hundreds of poker chips, six game tables, 14 decks of cards, three television sets and a security camera and monitor, according to the documents.

"...None of the players will be charged, Freed said. The players, who paid $60 to get into a game, were mostly local men, aged early 20s to early 60s, Freed said..."