GCB will review whether Lisa DeNaples can assume control of Mount Airy, from her father, Louis DeNaples, whose license remains on supension

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says it will review the decision of the Dauphin County District Attorney to accept an agreement for the withdrawal of charges against Mt. Airy Casino principle licensee Louis A. DeNaples. 

“The Board will discuss and evaluate the effect of this decision on the status of its suspension order, which stemmed solely from the original filing of the charges, at its April 22nd meeting”, says an official statement, issued by the Board, after the announcement was made.

The suspension order previously issued by the Board in early 2008 suspending Mr. DeNaples’ license and placing conditions on him remains in effect until otherwise ordered by the Board.

Dauphin County DA Ed Marsico Jr., announced that perjury charges against DeNaples, and associate Father Joseph Sica, will be withdrawn.  Part of the agreement is that DeNaples have no further involvement in the operation of the casino he founded, and opened, in the fall of 2007.  Control will go to a trusteeship headed by his daughter, Lisa DeNaples.

Since perjury charges, alleging DeNaples lied about possible ties to an organized crime figure were announced in December 2007, DeNaples has been barred from any involvement in the operation of Mount Airy.  A GCB trustee was named to oversee operations.

The GCB says all changes in ownership must go through the established administrative process prior to being considered by the Board. Regarding any changes in ownership structure of this slot machine license, the Board will evaluate any petitions pending or which may be presented and make a determination whether relief should be granted based upon the record.

DeNaples issued his own statement, Tuesday, claiming the dropping of charges proves he is “innocent”. 

The board also dropped charges against long-time DeNaples friend and associate Father Joseph Sica. 

Marisco said several significant issues surfaced during their probe of the DeNaples case.  He has forwarded several recommendations to Governor Edward Rendell, including enacting legislation to prohibit convicted felons from holding any position in the gaming industry.

The DA acknowledged, however, that because of some ‘language’ issues with the grand jury proceeding, the perjury case against DeNaples may have been difficult to pursue to conviction.

Marisco said, however, the agreement with DeNaples satisfies a primary goal: “… to remove Mr. DeNaples from the gaming industry”.