United States (New York) - Three Batavia men, including two city firefighters, pleaded guilty in City Court Tuesday to misdemeanor promoting gambling charges for running a sports betting ring. Under a plea deal in what had been a felony case, firefighters Brian C. Bordinaro, 43, of Prospect Avenue, and Gregory G. Phillips, 39, of Belvedere Lane, along with Lance J. Engle, 41, of Wade Avenue, all face a possible jail term of up to one year when they are sentenced in March.

The three were arrested Feb. 23, following a six-month investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and Batavia and LeRoy police.

Wagers that ran from $25 to $2,500 were taken by the three men and their betting ring, authorities said.

All three faced possible felony indictments on first-degree possession of gambling records, enterprise corruption and promoting gambling charges, but the case was never presented to a grand jury as attorneys for all three pressed for plea deals.

Bordinaro and Phillips, who had been accused of taking bets while on duty, have resigned from the city fire department. Engle has resigned from a job with the state Veterans Administration.

Written by The Buffalo News

Related Links

• United States Fire Department Directory (26,955)
• New York Fire Departments
• New York Fire Rescue News
• New York AFG Award Announcements