VB Police bust sports betting ring

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Local police teamed up with federal agents to stop a major gambling ring in Hampton Roads. It's an investigation that has been going on for more than a year now.

At the center of it all, Howard "Moose" Amdusky. Virginia Beach Police say the 82-year-old has been heading illegal sports gambling operations on and off since the 1960s. Amdusky pleaded guilty in federal court.

"This was a big deal for the Virginia Beach Police Department," said Lieutenant Ken Dimitry with Virginia Beach Police Special Investigations. "Our guys put in over 10,000 hours over the course of the year investigating this."

Officers got a tip about the alleged gambling ring being run out of Amdusky's home on Runners Way, in the Great Neck area. They had a undercover detective placing bets.

"Over the course of the year we placed about $23,000 with him [Amdusky]," added Dimitry. "Moose admitted to us that he has been involved in this [sports betting] for at least 40 years."

In October, officers raided Amdusky's home along with his bank accounts. Police seized more than $2 million in cash and another $700,000 in assets. They included gold coins, jewelry and paintings.

Officers arrested Amdusky and his three partners: Ronald Freedman, Arthur Oden and Elliot Furman.

"We needed this case to be prosecuted through the US Attorney's Office and we asked the FBI to assist us on it," Dimitry said.

Amdusky pleaded guilty in federal court. He doesn't deny what he was doing.

"What did you think I pleaded guilty for," Amdusky asked WAVY.com's Jason Marks. "It wasn't for shining my shoes or not going to Sunday school."

Virginia Beach Police say Amdusky was busted for the same thing in the 90s. They hope this is the last time.

"His own admission was that he had gotten bored and got back into taking book again," Dimitry said. "We'll see if that happens again."

WAVY asked Amdusky why has been arrested for sports betting so many times over the years.

"I'm glad you came by and I have nothing else to say," Amdusky said.

Police say this investigation is a long way from being over. The money seized by detectives will be used to buy new equipment for the police department.