Police arrest 10 in gambling, drug raids

PROVIDENCE—State police on arrrested Tuesday arrested 10 people in a sweep targeting an alleged illegal gambling ring.

Investigators accuse Michael Sepe, 30, of Cranston of running the ring. They said Sepe and Jason McMahon, 31, of Johnston, accepted more than $400,000 in wagers during the three-month investigation.  The arrests came after detectives tapped telephone lines.

Sepe and McMahon were charged with racketeering, organized criminal gambling, bookmaking and conspiracy. McMahon also was charged with marijuana and firearms violations.

Eight others were picked up in sweeps Tuesday morning in Providence, Johnston, Cranston, Cumberland and North Providence.

Police said the ring was not run by organized crime and that none of the 10 people arrested are in the Mob.  But investigators said a certain portion of the proceeds were turned over to organized crime for the privilege of running the alleged betting operation. 

The Associated Press contributed this report.