WILKES-BARRE, Pa., Sept. 16 (AP)—Investigation of a race-fixing scheme at Pocono Downs resulted today in the suspension of five jockeys and a trainer indefinitely from all state racing activities.
The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission charged the men with conduct detrimental to racing, offering bribes to horsemen, attempting to fix races at Pocono Downs from Jan. 14 through Sept. 16, and association with known gamblers and bookmakers. The suspended jockeys are Lucien Parent, Carlton Hern, Paul Whitemen, Miguel Monge and George Parra. The trainer is Philip Landry.
, Pa. -- A former driver at Pocono Downs pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to helping to fix a race at the Luzerne County harness racing track four years ago.
Michael Frizalone of Hackensack, N.J., admitted accepting a $500 bribe from another driver, William Fitzgerald of Scranton, to prevent his horse from finishing among the top three during the ninth race on Aug. 29, 1985.
Frizalone's horse, race favorite 'Boardwalk Fella,' finished fifth.
Frizalone pleaded guilty to one count each of sports bribery and conspiracy and could be sentenced to 10 years in jail and fined $500,000. No sentencing date was set.
Fitzgerald and two other drivers implicated in the scheme, which involved races on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30, 1985, pleaded guilty earlier and are awaiting sentencing.
Pocono Downs banned all four drivers and a horse owner from the track in the aftermath of the races.
^^^^ FACTS ^^^^