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HAMILTON: Three indicted on gambling ring charges

A grand jury has indicted three men, including two from Hamilton, who authorities believe ran an illegal sports gambling ring.

by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — A grand jury has indicted three men, including two from Hamilton, who authorities believe ran an illegal sports gambling ring.
   The men were arrested in March after a three-month investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit.
   The grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against Alvin D. Brown and Vincent M. Lacey, both of Hamilton, and Javon Bryant, of Trenton, including promoting gambling and possession of gambling records, both third-degree offenses, against all three men.
   In addition, Mr. Brown was indicted for maintaining a gambling resort, a fourth-degree offense, and unlawful possession of a handgun and theft by receiving stolen property, second- and third-degree offenses respectively.
   According to officials, the investigation into the ring started after the Prosecutor’s Office received numerous complaints of illegal gambling.
   March 25, the Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from Hamilton, Ewing, Lawrence and Trenton police departments, searched several residences, including 17 Crawford Court and 1534 Chambers St., both in Hamilton.
   During their respective searches, investigators found a Trenton residence that had been converted into a gambling hall. Investigators found weapons, betting paraphernalia, miscellaneous sports schedules and cash, according to a previous Prosecutor’s Office release.
   The search of the suspects’ homes turned up more cash and betting paraphernalia. In addition, during a search of the Chambers Street residence, another firearm was recovered by authorities.
   Mr. Lacy, Mr. Brown and Mr. Miller are free on bail while Mr. Bryant remains in custody.