Toms River Official, 12 Others Plead Not Guilty In Gambling Ring

Thirteen people, including a Toms River official, pleaded not guilty Tuesday for their roles in a $1 million-a-week gambling ring that operated out of Monmouth County and used the Internet to track wagers.

Anthony Benyola, 43, who has served Toms River as its deputy public works director for the past five years, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In an initial appearance, 19 people entered Judge Honora O’Brien Kilgallen’s chambers with handcuffs on.

Earlier today, investigators said they seized more than $500,000 in cash and a dozen vehicles after executing warrants in Monmouth, Somerset, Essex, and Hudson counties and in New York City over the past week.

While 12 pleaded not guilty, seven others made no plea pending representation; one was in medical and will have his first appearance in jail tomorrow. Two suspected in the gambling ring were released on their own recognizance and three remain at-large.