CINCINNATI, Ohio – As reported by the Associated Press: "Nearly $5 million seized in a statewide gambling scam must be sent to the charities it was supposed to reach in the first place, a judge ruled.

"The scheme was estimated to have raised more than $57 million through the sale of pull-tab instant-lottery tickets in hundreds of bars and restaurants. Twenty people were convicted in the case, but most of the money raised over several years still is missing.

"Hamilton County Judge Fred Nelson wrote in his decision that the gambling ring told people their donations would go to children with birth defects or disabilities.

"…The wide-ranging scam began with a change in state law in 1997 that allowed bars and other businesses to sell instant-lottery tickets if all proceeds went to recognized charities.

"…Officials said several legitimate nonprofit groups — including the St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church and the United Saghbeen Society, both in Akron — loaned their names to the ticket sales…"