Department of Justice
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NEWS RELEASE |
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DAYTON – A federal grand jury here has indicted Phillip Roth, age 43, and his ex-stepmother, Beverly Roth, age 65, of Beavercreek, charging each of them with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two forfeiture counts in connection with their role in operating an illegal gambling operation since the mid-1970’s that generated $26 million in proceeds.
Gregory G. Lockhart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office; Keith L. Bennett, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Field Division; and Bruce May, Director of Greene County ACE Task Force announced the indictment returned January 22 and unsealed today. The Roths entered pleas of not guilty at their arraignment today before United States District Judge Thomas M. Rose. A trial date has not yet been set.
The indictment alleges that, between 1977 and 2003, Phillip Roth and Beverly Roth conspired with Robert Roth to operate an illegal gambling business, which involved electronic games of choice that were placed in private social clubs located throughout Montgomery, Greene, and other Ohio counties.
In October 2006, Robert Roth, who is Phillip Roth’s father, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and to one count of conspiracy to launder money. In May 2007, Robert Roth was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas M. Rose to serve 20 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $5,000 fine. In addition, Robert Roth agreed to forfeit his interests in numerous pieces of real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, currency, gambling machines, and assorted electronic equipment.
The indictment calls for Phillip Roth, if convicted, to forfeit 3953 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio. In addition, the indictment calls for Beverly Roth, if convicted, to forfeit 3904 Summit Ridge Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio; a 1995 Red Lexus SC 400; and the contents of a Huntington Bank account.
Conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business carries a maximum punishment of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Conspiracy to commit money laundering carries a maximum punishment of twenty years imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved.
This case was investigated by special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, and the Greene County ACE Task Force.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. A copy of the indictment is attached.