A Spring Township businessman has now earned significant jail time for his part in a sports betting scheme. Christopher J. Naso is the president of Hearthstone Homes Inc and he recently pled guilty to bookmaking and engaging in unlawful activity.

The businessman was using his company to launder money for an illegal sports betting operation. Naso handled hundreds of thousands of dollars in money for the sports betting operation and he is now paying the price.

Naso was sentenced to four and a half to twenty three months in jail for his charges. Investigators found that Naso was involved with others in the gambling operation by taking bets on college and pro football and basketball games. Investigators found that the bets averaged in the hundreds of dollars range.

Detectives and state police officials were able to intercept about 300 telephone calls between Naso and bettors. The calls showed Naso accepting wagers as well as settling accounts. The wiretaps proved to investigators that Naso was a bookmaker as well as a bettor.

When Naso was in court facing his charges, he apologized to his family for what he put them through as well as to the court. Naso commented: “I am deeply sorry. I made some bad choices. I was betting excessingly with Mr. Timothy Lepore for several years.” I don’t believe I am at a point where I have to place a bet at a local casino. I have an excessive habit of betting on football. I have been gambling for twenty years. I am an award winner for being an outstanding home builder.”


- 2012-01-16