Defense lawyer Frank Patrizio Jr. said Maxwell used the gambling operation to subsidize income “because the bowling alley had gone down in profitability.”
Maxwell pleaded no contest in July to felony attempted money laundering. He was found guilty.
He also was charged with misdemeanor gambling following the execution of a search warrant April 29 by the Ohio Investigative Unit and sheriff’s deputies. They confiscated the cash and nine gambling machines from the bowling alley in the 8000 block of County Road 25A.
“The gambling operation and the handling of proceeds was the basis for the felony,” county Prosecutor Gary Nasal said. The investigation began weeks earlier when the OIU received a complaint about alleged gambling at the bowling alley.
Maxwell pleaded guilty in June to the gambling charge and was fined $1,000 in county Municipal Court.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors recommended no prison time, the community control and the forfeitures. The $7,500 fine and court costs will be paid out of the $47,000 seized.
Lindeman said Maxwell had no prior felony convictions and no previous gambling charges.
If Maxwell violates the community control, he will serve 15 months in prison, Lindeman said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2292 or nbowman@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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