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State Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Betting Case

After quitting as a trooper of the New Jersey State Police last Wednesday, James Harney pleaded guilty the next day to gambling charges filed against him.

40-year old Harney, who served as a New Jersey State Policemen for 8 years, faced the court Thursday and pleaded guilty to charges of official misconduct as member of the state police, promoting gambling and conspiracy.

Early this year, the state police officer was accused of helping Phoenix Coyotes' coach Rick Tocchet, also a retired National Hockey League star, and a certain James Ulmer operate a gambling ring.

Active NHL players and Janet Jones, wife of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, were named as regular bettors.

Investigation by the authorities attested that Tocchet financed the whole gambling operation while Harney was the bet collector.

Harney initially faced imprisonment of more than 25 years, but after his plea and a negotiated deal with the state police, he is now sentenced to a maximum of 7 years.

In addition to that, the guilty accused has pledged to assist the state police in building up the case against Tocchet and Ulmer.

Tocchet also faces the charges of conspiracy, promoting gambling and money laundering.

Authorities, however, do not intend to file charges against the individual bettors.