Published: July 07, 2008 10:47 pm      

Meyersdale lodge faces liquor, gambling charges

MEYERSDALE — Gambling and liquor charges have been filed against Meyersdale Lodge No. 76 Loyal Order of Moose, authorities said.

The charges come a month after Samuel R. Ferraro Jr. of Broadway Street, Meyersdale, was charged by the state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement with misdemeanor gambling in connection with an illegal poker tournament.

“The criminal charges were filed against the individual running the tournament,” Liquor Enforcement Officer Christopher Burns said.

“These are administrative charges against the establishment.”

State police said they raided the Moose Lodge on Main Street, where a Texas hold ’em tournament was being held.

They had received a tip that the lodge held poker tournaments the first Friday and third Saturday of the month.

The latest charges claim the Moose held poker games on May 2 and did not keep records of its small games of chance on May 21.

The lodge also is accused of selling alcohol to nonmembers on April 5 and May 2, authorities said.

The lodge could request a hearing before an administrative law judge in Altoona.

Fines range from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses up to $5,000 for serious charges.

A hearing for Ferraro on the gambling charge is slated for July 24 before District Judge Douglas Bell of Meyersdale.

Ferraro could not be reached for comment. His home telephone went unanswered.