The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York has empaneled a federal grand jury to look into the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation.
Sources familiar with the situation said at least one person has been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury in October. The attorney representing OTB confirmed knowledge of the probe Thursday.
“Western Regional Off Track Betting has received grand jury subpoenas requesting documents. My instructions from the company are to cooperate and produce the records that have been requested.” attorney Terry Connors said.
One source said the subject of the investigation appears to be multi-pronged with a focus on the use of OTB perks and resources, potential retaliation against an employee who was cooperating with federal investigators and a contract with Growth Marketing Group, a company headed by Rochester-based businessman Arnie Rothschild.
In April, Spectrum News reported the Federal Bureau Investigations had interviewed multiple people connected to OTB with questions pertaining to contracts with several vendors including Growth Marketing Group. Sources said Rothschild has close ties to OTB Board Chairman Richard Bianchi, a member of the Monroe County Conservative Party Executive Committee.
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