Mortician Convicted Of Running Illegal Poker Game

A Staten Island mortician was convicted last week of running an illegal underground poker game, according to the New York Daily News.

Authorities said that the game collected a rake from every hand, just like a casino.

The lawyer for 42-year-old Joseph Fumando said that his client was just a regular player there and did not run the operation. The poker room was called “The Press” because the building was once occupied by a printing business.

Fumando is awaiting sentencing. He could spend 12-16 months behind bars.

The investigation into the poker room began in 2010.

Others arrested in the sting include a retired NYPD sergeant and two firefighters.

One of the dealers cut a deal with the feds and testified against Fumando.