Griffins defenseman Nathan Paetsch pleads guilty in Buffalo gambling case

By @MichaelCaples –

Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Nathan Paetsch plead guilty today for his part in a Buffalo-based gambling ring, NBC Sports is reporting.

Paetsch, who has played with the Griffins for the last three years, was apparently involved in the gambling ring that made headlines after former Sabres star Tomas Vanek was found to be involved with.

With his guilty plea, Paetsch admitted fault for two charges stemming from the off-shore gambling enterprise run out of The Marina Restaurant and Bar.

According to Rochester, N.Y.’s The Democratic and Chronicle, Paetsch was accused of recruiting other players to join the gambling organization and in transmitting information and money. From their report:

He agreed to plead guilty to two charges: transmission of wagering information and structuring a bank transaction to evade reporting requirements (all cash transactions in excess of $10,000 must be reported by banks).

Because of his cooperation and because he has no criminal record, federal sentencing guidelines allow the plea arrangement of the 8-month home detention and 400 hours of community service.

Sentencing will be Aug. 31 for the Spencerport resident.

Paetsch was a Buffalo Sabres draft pick, and he spent seven seasons with the organization.