The criminal case against George Atiyeh, accused of running a gambling business from Allentown, is likely to go to the jury today.

Atiyeh's defense rested Tuesday without calling any witnesses. Atiyeh, 43, of Allentown, did not testify.
He is accused of violating state and federal laws by allegedly taking bets on sporting events, especially professional football. His business allegedly took in more than $1 million during a 14-month period from 1995 to 1997.

Federal prosecutor Paul Mansfield is trying to prove that Atiyeh's employees took bets on the phone from their office on N. Meadow Street in Allentown. It is against the law to run such a gambling business in Pennsylvania. Horse racing and the Pennsylvania Lottery are legalized forms of gambling.

Atiyeh's defense has acknowledged that Atiyeh's business was incorporated in Antigua, where gambling can be done legally. But the defense denies that wagers were taken in Allentown.

Key prosecution testimony came from FBI agent Raymond Manna, who said he posed as a bettor. On tape recordings, the jury heard Manna placing bets on the phone, allegedly with Atiyeh's employees. Defense lawyer Thomas Bergstrom of Malvern, Chester County, will argue today that Manna cannot prove that the calls were picked up in Allentown.

In addition, key prosecution testimony came from Keith Varga of Bath, who worked for Atiyeh in Allentown. According to Varga, Atiyeh told his employees to pretend they were in the Caribbean while talking to bettors on the phone, even though they were in Allentown.

Bergstrom will try to convince the jury that Varga is lying. After Varga left Atiyeh's business, Varga operated his own sports betting operation in the Lehigh Valley. Because of that business, Varga later pleaded guilty to illegal gambling. Varga could get a reduced sentence in exchange for his testimony against Atiyeh.

Closing arguments are scheduled for this morning as the trial enters its eighth day. Afterward, U.S. District Judge Bruce Kauffman will explain the applicable law to the jury.

Atiyeh is charged with running an illegal gambling business, conspiracy, money laundering and use of wire communication for a wagering business.

Last year, Atiyeh's brothers, Joseph and Dennis, were cleared of similar charges. Back then, the defense acknowledged that Dennis Atiyeh ran a gambling business, but denied that any bets were accepted in Pennsylvania. Joseph Atiyeh was charged with money laundering, but the prosecution failed to prove that he knew he was handling tainted money.

All three brothers were well-known athletes. George Atiyeh wrestled and played football for Dieruff High School and Louisiana State University. He later briefly played professional football.