Blanken is alleged to have played a key role in facilitating the multi-million dollar Chicago gambling ring has avoided spending time in prison. US District Judge Virginia Kendall sentenced 44-year-old Blanken to six months in a community center.
Blanken, a resident of Cary Ill, will serve six months in a community center. He will also be allowed to work while staying at the center. He will also be under two years’ probation, according to Chicago Sun-Times.
Before being sentenced, Blanken apologized, in court appearing, he pleaded guilty to gambling conspiracy. The judge described him as admirable for making tough decisions.
Blanken was a trusted ring runner who recruited gamblers. He also worked in the arbitration office of Cook County courts, according to prosecutors. Recently, he worked with Costco defense.
A Costa Rican sportsbook played a role in gambling that saw over 1, 000 gamblers who waged in pro and amateur sports events. Nine other suspects have been charged for allegedly playing a role in the gambling operation including Eugene DelGiudice.
DelGiudice, 85, is the founder of the ring, who was sentenced to three months of home detention. Eugene’s son Vincent DelGiudice pleaded guilty in February to operating gambling. He will face several years in prison. Police seized more than $1.06 million in cash, silver bars, and jewelry, and gold coins worth millions in DelGiudice’s house in Orland Park Ill.
To use the Costa Rican-based sportsbook, Vincent DelGiudice is alleged to have paid $10, 000 to use the platform for a week. The authority had once thought that their operations were linked to former Gregory Paloian of Elmwood Park Ill.
