Federal courts convicted two Ohio men of operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, tax evasion and other crimes. They await sentencing in the US District Court of Northern Ohio.
Christos Karasarides Jr. operated an illegal Ohio gambling operation called Skilled Shamrock in Canton. It lasted for at least five years, between 2012 and 2017. Additionally, the courts convicted him of running other illegal gambling operations in Ohio between 2009 and 2018. Lastly, he pled guilty to concealing his income, falsifying tax statements and witness tampering.
Karasarides faces as many as 20 years on the illegal gambling charges, up to three years for the tax crimes and several years for the litany of convictions handed down in the trial before a federal judge. He also faces a federal charge of conspiracy to defraud the US. The court scheduled sentencing for April 30.
CPA also faces prison time for role in illegal gambling business
Karasarides was involved in a tax fraud scheme with Jason and Rebecca Kachner of Canton, who pled guilty to defrauding the Internal Revenue Service in July 2022. Certified public accountant Ronald DiPietro assisted them in falsifying their taxes and other schemes to shelter their assets from authorities over several years.
DiPietro was convicted of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, tax evasion and preparing false income tax returns. He faces up to five years in prison on some of those charges.
Men bought cars, homes and trips with money from illegal operation
The Skilled Shamrock had multiple slot machines and gaming tables. But the Buckeye State only allows slot machines in Ohio casinos and racinos. Ohio only allows table games at casinos.
However, the closest casino to Canton is the JACK Cleveland Casino, which is about an hour drive north.
The Skilled Shamrock reportedly accepted more than $34 million in bets. As a result, the owners profited at least $2 million. Karasarides also operated at least one other illegal gambling venue in the state.
The two convicted men used their illegal earnings to live a lavish lifestyle. They bought luxury cars, homes and trips.
Karasarides reportedly wagered millions of dollars during trips to legal Ohio casinos. Authorities seized large sums of money and valuable silver coins from their homes. Karasarides had approximately $150,000 in cash at his residence.
Thomas Helmick, who was listed on paper as the owner of the Skilled Shamrock, previously pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the US, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
