January 30, 1999

A former union chief was found guilty Friday of running a sports betting ring that brought him up to $12,000 a week.

Joseph Abate, 35, was ousted from his post as head of Laborers Union Local 225 after he was indicted in 1997.

The union remains under investigation by the U.S. Labor Department for alleged ties to organized crime.

Abate has no criminal record and could get probation or two to five years in prison when he is sentenced March 10 by Criminal Court Judge Daniel J. Kelley.

Several witnesses testified that they regularly placed bets with Abate during the football season.

But Abate's lawyer, Rick Beuke, contended that a former roommate in his Northwest Side apartment ran the betting ring.