Hopwood club accused of illegally serving liquor, having gambling devices
Charges have been filed in relation to an illegal bar operation found last month in North Union Township.
Police said bartenders Twila Lynn Ricco, 57, of New Salem and Margaret Leonardi, 50, of Uniontown and club member Joseph “Jim” Sacane, 47, of Brier Hill worked at the Cool Springs Athletic Club.
Ricco told officers that she handles all the decisions for the club, including employees, taxes, bills and cash payroll. Ricco also said the club had been open for about a year, police said.
According to an affidavit filed by Trooper Nickolas Elliott with the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, a complaint was received at their Pittsburgh district office for the club selling liquor without a license.
Elliott wrote in the complaint that he observed multiple transactions for alcoholic drinks between the bartenders and patrons during his visits in mid-July.
On July 30, a search warrant was signed by Magisterial District Judge Wendy Dennis, and officers for a raid detail were briefed, Elliott wrote.
Just before 5 p.m. that day, officers served the warrant and seized 91 gallons of beer, 70.25 liters of liquor, eight video gambling machines, nine TVs, bar equipment, assorted small games of chance supples, small games of chance payout records/log books, membership club paperwork, membership club records and $1,127, according to court papers.
Leonardi, Ricco and Sacane face charges of having gambling devices, allowing gambling, selling unlicensed malt/brewed beverages and soliciting gambling. Ricco and Leonardi also face a count each of unlawful sales of liquor, while Sacane faces a single count of manufacturing malt/brewed beverages without a license.
The three are awaiting preliminary hearing dates.