State police are accusing a veteran Westmoreland County lawyer and a business partner of participating in unlawful gambling by organizing Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments at fire halls in Hempfield and Seward.

Defense attorney Lawrence J. Burns, 63, of 16 Romar Ave., Derry Township, and James L. Hricko, 41, of 1400 Swede Hill Road, Hempfield, both were charged Thursday with three first-degree misdemeanor counts of violating the state’s gambling devices statute.

Since early August, state police have executed three search warrants in connection with the case, seizing almost $43,000 in alleged gambling funds, Trooper Rebecca Fabich and Cpl. Robert Erdely said Friday in a news release.

Fabich went undercover on May 16 to play in an advertised poker game and a cash game at the Adamsburg and Community Volunteer Fire Department in Hempfield, police said in an affidavit of probable cause filed with the criminal complaints.

The Hempfield tournament was advertised through a sign outside the fire hall and a Web site, www.riverloc.com, registered to Burns, the affidavit states.

Less than three months later, police raided a tournament at the Seward Volunteer Fire Hall, according to documents Burns’ attorney filed last month seeking the return of seized money and property. The charges filed this week do not describe the Aug. 3 game in Seward.

Law enforcement authorities contend poker tournaments that are advertised, and held for profit and not for the benefit of a licensed charitable organization, are illegal.

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Author Contact Info: Chris Foreman, Pittsburgh Tribune Review