TRENTON, N.J. – Prospect Park Councilman Anand U. Shah pleaded guilty Friday to charges stemming from an illegal gambling operation tied to the Lucchese crime family, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Shah, 44, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County to first-degree racketeering, first-degree money laundering and second-degree official misconduct. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a 10-year state prison sentence, with 85% required to be served before he becomes eligible for parole.
The councilman also must forfeit his elected office and will be permanently barred from holding public office. Shah’s guilty plea marks a major development in a case Shore News Network first reported on following the April 2025 arrests.
- Shah admitted criminal proceeds directly attributable to him totaled $900,084 from January 2017 through August 2023.
- Prosecutors said gambling debts were converted into political contributions to Shah’s council campaign.
- Shah faces a recommended 10-year prison sentence and permanent ban from public office when sentenced Dec. 4.
Gambling Debts Turned Into Campaign Contributions
According to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Shah operated as a sportsbook agent and poker manager within the illegal gambling enterprise…