A Nassau County grand jury has indicted five Long Island men, including a former NYPD officer, on gambling promotion and conspiracy charges related to an illegal online sports betting operation.

Prosecutors said the 63-count indictment issued Thursday came after a 14-month investigation in which surveillance and surveillance operations uncovered thousands of dollars wagered on the online sports house.

“These five individuals allegedly operated a sophisticated online sports betting operation in Nassau County, profiting from hundreds of bets,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a statement.

The Nassau County Organized Crime and Racketeering Bureau began investigating the gym in September 2023, which prosecutors said was operated by Anthony Frascone, 75, of East Meadow, and Anthony Pellegrino, 59 years, from Merrick.

The indictment alleges that Pellegrino created accounts through a website to manage bets and profits, including a share given to sportsbook operators and given to Pellegrino. One bettor owed more than $150,000 in gambling debts, Donnelly said.

Prosecutors said there are a limited number of state licenses for legitimate sports betting, which are monitored and subject to state taxes.

Also charged in the case were former NYPD Sgt. Joseph Pietaro, 57, of West Islip, who was charged with 50 counts of promoting gambling and one count of conspiracy. His lawyer declined to comment.

Frascone and Pellegrino were both indicted on 61 counts of promoting gambling, racketeering and criminal conspiracy. Both pleaded not guilty Thursday in Nassau County District Court and were released on their own recognizance. Both could face 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Frascone, who authorities previously said was associated with the Bonanno organized crime family, pleaded guilty in 2005 to federal corruption charges and in 2013, pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges. He was sentenced in 2014 to almost three years in prison.

Frascone’s attorney, Murray Richman, who has not represented him in previous cases, said sports betting laws have changed.

“I was under the impression that gambling was legal in New York State. It is naive to think that if the state can participate, why not the individual?” Richman said. “Mr. Frascone is innocent. He is a decent human being and we will ultimately defeat these charges.”

Pellegrino’s attorney, Dennis Lemke, said Pellegrino is a retired teacher and has no ties to organized crime. He said none of the charges involved drugs or violence.

“It’s not a big deal,” Lemke said. “I would have to think the DA’s office is hoping to find something much bigger in association with a crime boss.”

Philip Carucci, 59, of Levittown, and Frank LoNigro, 51, of Merrick, helped pay off debts with the bookies, prosecutors said. They have each pleaded not guilty and face up to one to three years in prison if convicted.

Carucci was charged with felony promoting gambling, possession of gambling and misdemeanor conspiracy. His attorney could not be reached for comment.

LoNigro was charged with six counts of promoting gambling and misdemeanor counts of promoting gambling and conspiracy. His attorney, Eric Franz, said, “Mr. LoNigro is a law-abiding citizen. He runs a restaurant and all he does is feed people.”

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.