Wayne Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Maintaining a Gambling Resort

Published on January 31, 2013

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announced that Chester Ward of Wayne Township, age 40, pled guilty to two counts of Maintaining a Gambling Resort. In his plea Ward acknowledged owning two businesses both of which were named Connection's Internet Café. One of the businesses was located at 681 Route 23 South in Pequannock Township, Morris County, New Jersey. The second business was located at 85 New Road, Parsippany, Morris County, New Jersey.

In his businesses, Ward accepted money from third parties with the understanding that the third parties would be participating in gambling activities. Specifically, members of the public would place bets on games of chance. Ward owned both businesses from November 2011 through July 2012.

As part of the plea agreement to the 4th degree charge, Ward will be placed on probation, serve 200 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 fine.

Separately, in a related consent judgment, Ward agreed to forfeit monies related to the illegal activities in bank accounts and seized currencies totaling $89,062.56. He will also forfeit various electronic devices including 87 computers and flat screen monitors which were used in the businesses as part of the gambling activity.

Acting Prosecutor Knapp would like to commend Chief Anthony DeZenzo and the Parsippany Police Department, Chief Brian Spring and the Pequannock Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office who assisted in this matter.

Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.