lritzer@observer-reporter.com

Two more men have pleaded guilty in connection with an illegal gambling ring that operated in Canonsburg between 2002 and 2006.

The two men, Paul W. Harrington Jr. and Terry L. Wise, were charged in March, two months after the initial group of 10 was charged. All 10 have since pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Wise, 55, of 1968 S. Main St., Washington, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone to a charge of conspiring with others to conduct an illegal gambling organization and to engage in money laundering offenses.

Harrington, 54, of 124 Third St., McDonald, pleaded guilty Wednesday to the same charges. Sentencing for both men was set for Aug. 6.

The information filed against Harrington and Wise is similar to that against the 10 others. It alleges that they conspired to conduct an illegal gambling operation that involved a $100 ticket drawing and sports and numbers betting. The ringleaders of the operation are identified only as AC and EL. A third man is identified only as JG.

Harrington is the former son-in-law of Allan (Mike) Campbell of Mt. Pleasant Township, who was the subject of a seizure by Internal Revenue Service agents in July 2006. Nearly $214,000 was seized from his home, and more than $115,000 in cash and bonds was seized from safety deposit boxes. The federal government is also seeking forfeiture of his home, money in other accounts and nine vehicles.

Several Washington County men testified before a grand jury in August 2006 regarding Campbell.

Federal authorities are also seeking the forfeiture of the home of Edward Lazorchak of Cecil Township, as well as bank accounts and two vehicles. No charges have been filed against either Campbell or Lazorchak.

Harrington was arrested in 1986 with his then-wife, Theresa Harrington, and Campbell, who is her father, on bookmaking and conspiracy charges.

In 1998, Campbell was charged with attempted homicide and other charges for allegedly shooting Paul Harrington. Prosecutors later dropped those charges.

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