OU student pleads guilty to gambling charge

[Shame About Ray]

An Ohio University student charged with bookmaking pleaded guilty Wednesday in Athens County Municipal Court, according to Athens Law Director Pat Lang.

Andrew Shisila, 22, originally from Mentor, was sentenced to 90 days jail and fined $250. The jail time and $100 of the fine were suspended on the condition that Shisila be a law-abiding citizen for two years and complete 25 hours of community service, Lang said. Shisila must be evaluated for a possible gambling addiction and follow all counselor recommendations.

"It was important to me that this young man talk to a professional about possible gambling issues, and get help if he needs it," Lang said in a news release. "Mr. Shisila has admitted his conduct and he's accepted his punishment. Hopefully he'll learn from the experience."

The charge, a misdemeanor, accused Shisila of "knowingly (engaging) in conduct that facilitates bookmaking."

Also charged with bookmaking as part of the same investigation was OU student Brent DeCoster, 22, originally from Westlake. The charges, filed earlier this winter, alleged that the two "controlled an operation that took bets on sporting events such as professional basketball games."

At the time of the investigation, Shisila was a member of the OU baseball team and DeCoster was a former member of the team.

DeCoster also appeared in court Wednesday. He had previously entered an innocent plea, and his pretrial hearing was continued until May 7, Lang said.

The Ohio University Police Department began an investigation in November after OU sports officials received a tip.

4/17/2008 6:00:00 PM
The Athens Messenger