Published: November 10, 2009 11:00 pm      

Two local men face bookmaking counts

JOHNSTOWN — Two Johnstown-area men were charged with bookmaking after authorities said they took illegal bets on sporting events and the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Leonard Anthony Barber, 66, of Southmont Boulevard in Johns-town, and Walter Andrew Polodak, 60, of Main Street in East Conemaugh, were charged with pool selling and bookmaking.

Officials from the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigation charged the men in separate incidents on Monday and Tuesday.

The investigation began after Cambria County District Attorney Patrick Kiniry received a tip concerning alleged bookies.

Investigators said they found parlay cards and football betting slips in Barber’s garbage.

Armed with a search warrant, investigators later found a betting slip on Barber’s kitchen table.

Officials said Polodak was charged with accepting wagers and “running numbers” based on the Pennsylvania Lottery for about two years. Polodak reportedly told authorities his “weekly take” was about $800.

The two suspects are considered small players, officials said.

Charges were filed before District Judges John Barron of Upper Yoder Township and Mary Ann Zanghi of Vinco.