Pelletier Pleads Guilty to Running Gambling Cafes

Former Fall River City Councilor Leo Pelletier has changed his plea to guilty as he faces charges relating to his operation of two illegal gambling internet cafes. Pelletier opened two cafes, known as "Leo's Place", in Fall river and Fairhaven, and charged customers for internet time, while they had the choice to engage in a sweeptakes program on the computer. Both cafes were shut down in 2011 after a lengthy investigation. Pelletier believes he was singled out over other similar operations in the state because of his public status.

Pelletier was sentenced to two years probation, along with business associate Linda Pelletier, of no relation. Two other partners, Donald Greenidge and Ron Sevigny had their cases continued without a finding for two years.