Middletown Poker Raid Two Plead Guilty

Two of three people that were charged in a Middletown gambling raid in February have plead guilty to a misdemeanor offense earlier in the week.  Laurie Anderson (37) and Matthew Balotin, (30) both entered a guilty plea to third degree conspiracy, according to the Court of Common Pleas records.

Anderson received six months of probation and Balotin got one month or probation.  Both will be discharged from probation early after they pay their fines and other court costs, according to court records.

The two along with Anderson's husband, William S. Anderson were arrested on February 4th at the Legends community in Middletown after neighbors had complained about the numbers of vehicles that were outside of the home.

Middletown police then conducted surveillance of the Anderson's home in the first block of Little Circle and proceeded to identify players and suspects. Balotin lived at the Anderson's home and acted as their bouncer.

While the police were conducting their surveillance of the house they learned that Texas Hold'em Poker games and sports betting were going on inside the house and on some occasions there were even topless dealers and barmaids that served alcohol to players.

The police seized computers, gambling tables, documents, a credit card machine and a list of the prominent members of the Legends as well as players that were from several other states.