Gretzky's Wife Unlikely to Be Charged in Scandal

Feb. 15, 2006 -- -- A spokesman for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice told ESPN.com on Wednesday that it is unlikely that additional people will be charged in connection to a gambling ring allegedly financed by Phoenix Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet and a New Jersey state trooper.

John Hagerty said Janet Jones Gretzky, who allegedly wagered through the ring, and others could be called as witnesses in the case but indicated that Jones Gretzky would not be charged because she has not done anything illegal.

"All the names that everybody is focusing [on] that have never been officially confirmed [by law enforcement], these people are not charged," said Hagerty. "They have not committed a crime in this state. They are fact witnesses."

Tocchet and two others summoned in the gambling ring -- New Jersey State Trooper James Harney and James Ulmer -- are scheduled for a first appearance and arraignment Tuesday in Mount Holly, N.J., before Burlington County Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith.

Jones Gretzky is currently in Torino, Italy, where her husband, Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, is overseeing the Canadian Olympic hockey team.

Asked if Jones Gretzky or the others might ever be charged, Hagerty said, "It is highly unlikely. Again, they are witnesses." As such, they could be called to testify at trial, Hagerty said.

Robert Cleary, who is heading the NHL's internal investigation of the matter, declined to comment. A spokesperson said he wouldn't discuss the case until completing his investigation.

Representatives for law enforcement and the defense faced off Wednesday over how organized crime may or may not have been involved with the gambling ring.

A law enforcement official told ESPN.com that Harney, accused of being a partner in the ring with Tocchet, was involved with the Bruno-Scarfo crime family, operating in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.

"There was obviously contact between Harney and individuals who were known members of that crime family," said Capt. Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police.