File photo
WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A man charged with running an illegal gambling ring that authorities say involved members of the New England mob has pleaded no contest.
Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin said 53-year-old Vincent “Tootsie” Tallo entered the plea in an agreement with prosecutors Tuesday in Superior Court. Tallo, of Johnston, was sentenced to serve 40 months of a 20-year sentence, with the remainder suspended with probation. Kilmartin says Tallo is a mob associate.
Prosecutors say Tallo and 22 other individuals with ties to organized crime were involved in an illegal gambling ring and arrested after a six-month investigation.
They say wiretap evidence shows the ring took in illegal bets on sporting events, and that Tallo also illegally purchased and sold prescription narcotics.
Tallo’s attorney could not immediately be reached Tuesday for comment.
