Nathan Paetsch, a former defenseman of the Buffalo Sabres and AHL affiliate Rochester Americans, pleaded guilty to two charges tied to his role in an illegal gambling ring run out of a Rochester-area bar and restaurant according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
Paetsch faces a potential sentence of eight months of home detention and owing the government $265,000 as punishment for his role in the operation according to the D&C. He is still an active player, having spent last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.
The D&C has more on the allegations against Paetsch:
Paetsch was accused by the government of recruiting hockey players and others to place bets, and also of aiding in the transmission of wagering information as well as collection of debts, according to papers read this morning in U.S. District Court in Rochester before Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
He agreed to plead guilty to two charges: transmission of wagering information and structuring a bank transaction to evade reporting requirements (all cash transactions in excess of $10,000 must be reported by banks).
Because of his cooperation and because he has no criminal record, federal sentencing guidelines allow the plea arrangement of the 8-month home detention and 400 hours of community service.
This is the same gambling case for which current Minnesota Wild forward and former Sabre Thomas Vanek was called as a witness against the bookmakers last summer. Vanek admitted through agent Steve Bartlett last year that he placed bets with this outfit, but was only a bettor and not involved any more deeply than that. Vanek later said that he no longer gambles and is not proud of the decisions he’s made.
Paetsch’s lawyer told the D&C that no player involved in the betting ring ever bet on a hockey game. Additionally, Paetsch will be allowed to continue his hockey career.
The 32-year-old blueliner is a veteran of 167 NHL games, last appearing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2009-10 season.
The main figures in the illegal gambling operation, Mark Ruff, Joseph Ruff and Paul Borrelli, have already been sentenced or reached plea deals.
