Three sports bookmakers get probation

YOUNGSTOWN -- Three sports bookmakers with ties to LaVilla Sports Bar & amp; Grille in Struthers have been sentenced to two years' probation.
Sentenced in Cleveland federal court by U.S. District Judge Paul R. Matia were:
UVito Yeropoli, 31, of Rich Avenue, Hillsville, Pa. He was fined $3,000 Tuesday.
UDennis Billec, 41, of Gertrude Avenue, Campbell. He was fined $8,914. The probation includes the first six months spent in home confinement.
UJohn Yurko, 57, of Maple Ridge Drive, Boardman. He was fined $2,000. The probation includes the first six months spent in home confinement.
They were among 15 men and one woman indicted a year ago. Charges against two were dismissed and the rest pleaded guilty.
The time frame covered in the indictment is Nov. 10, 2001, through Jan. 20, 2002. The defendants ran sports bookmaking operations (college and professional football, mostly), and were affiliated with one another, the government has said.