Two Westmoreland County men are accused of organizing three illegal Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments last year at the social club for the Fort Allen Volunteer Fire Department in Hempfield.

Ronald Boggs, 60, of 123 Troy Circle, Hempfield, and James Earl Miller, 35, of 205 Oak St., New Stanton, are charged each with nine first-degree misdemeanor violations of the state’s gambling devices statute and three misdemeanor counts of conspiracy.

A state police investigation led to an Aug. 3 raid in which authorities said they seized $1,875 in cash and gambling paraphernalia, including playing cards and poker chips.

State Trooper Michael Noel said in an affidavit of probable cause that he attended tournaments that night and on May 25 and June 1 after reading an advertisement in the Tribune-Review stating the Friday night events were managed by and benefited the fire department.

Trustees for the Fort Allen Firemens Club were not immediately available for comment Tuesday about whether the fire company or social hall benefited from the tournaments.

Noel said participants paid a $50 entry fee for a set of playing chips and access to a buffet dinner and drinks.

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Author Contact Info: Chris Foreman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review