Gambling Case Against Ex-NHL Star Strengthened

Aug. 3, 2006 — -- The gambling case against former NHL star Rick Tocchet took a significant step forward today when a New Jersey state trooper accused of running a multimillion-dollar sports betting operation with Tocchet pleaded guilty.

James Harney, an eight-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, will cooperate with the state in its case against Tocchet and, possibly, James Ulmer as part of a plea agreement. Edwin Jacobs Jr., the attorney representing Ulmer, also told ESPN.com on Wednesday that Harney's plea agreement has been anticipated for some time.

Ulmer is a South Jersey resident described by investigators as a "sitter" who funneled wagers to Harney.

Harney resigned from the New Jersey State Police on Wednesday. In his letter of resignation, which was posted on his attorney's Web site, Harney said that "my personal judgment has been severely flawed" and he is "sorry for the humiliation and disgrace that I have caused to the Division of State Police." Craig Mitnick, Harney's attorney, declined to comment further.

Tocchet could not be reached Wednesday. His attorney, Kevin Marino, declined comment.

Tocchet, an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes under hockey great Wayne Gretzky when word of Operation Slapshot broke in February, is charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Authorities say that Harney was a bartender at Philly Legends in the South Philadelphia Holiday Inn when he first met Tocchet, who was then playing for the Flyers.

Authorities allege that the pair started the gambling operation five years ago, with Tocchet financing the operation and the trooper accepting bets, sometimes while patrolling the New Jersey Turnpike.

Jacobs described the trooper as the state's likely "insider witness." In a negotiated deal, Harney pleaded guilty to conspiracy, promoting gambling and official misconduct. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison at his sentencing Oct. 27. Harney is expected to get prison time as part of his sentence in the plea deal.