Further defendants named in New Jersey internet cafe busts

The July 19 raids on two Connections internet cafes in New Jersey included the seizure of a substantial amount of cash, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office revealed in an update on the case Tuesday.

Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi said that the undercover operation resulted in not only the arrest of three individuals, but the seizure of over $60,000 in cash, electronic equipment valued in excess of $100,000, and other items used to operate the illegal gambling businesses.

Bianchi also named Jeffrey T. Spencer (23) who was charged with third degree promoting/operating a gambling facility and promoting gambling by conduct that materially aids gambling activity, as well as maintaining a gambling resort and conspiracy to maintain a gambling resort, both in the fourth degree.

Spencer was released on summons with a pending court appearance.

The other two arrested men are Chester Ward (39), charged with two counts of promoting/operating a gambling facility, two counts of promoting gambling by conduct that materially aids gambling activity, maintaining a gambling resort and conspiracy to maintain a gambling resort. Ward is being held at the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of $50,000 bail.

Gary Roach (55) was charged with promoting/operating a gambling facility and promoting gambling by conduct that materially aids gambling activity, maintaining a gambling resort and conspiracy to maintain a gambling resort, and is also in custody at the county Correctional Facility in default of $40,000 bail.

It is understood that a fourth man remains at large.