One of the former Ohio University baseball players accused of taking bets on professionalsports pleaded guilty yesterday, leaving the other to find a new lawyer.
Andrew Shisila, 22, a former Ohio pitcher, pleaded guilty to one count of gambling yesterday in Athens County Municipal Court. Judge William Grim ordered Shisila to pay a $100 fine, complete 25 hours of community service and complete a gambling addiction evaluation.
Shisila had already started the evaluation before yesterday's hearing, said Pat Lang, Athens city law director. It was important that Shisila talk to a professional about any possible gambling problem, Lang stated in a news release.
Former Ohio pitcher Brent DeCoster, 22, will continue his case with a new lawyer. Pat McGee, who represented both Shisila and DeCoster, explained that being involved in Shisila's guilty plea would conflict with representing DeCoster, who disputes the allegations Shisila admitted to. Both men were charged after a single investigation.
DeCoster and Shisila were charged with gambling, a first-degree misdemeanor, on Jan. 14 after an Ohio University Police Department investigation. The investigation stemmed from an anonymous e-mail sent to then-OU Athletics Director Kirby Hocutt and head baseball coach Joe Carbone. Shisila was suspended following the charges; DeCoster was not on the team when charges were filed.
Though he's leaving the case, McGee said he feels DeCoster has a valid defense.
All the evidence the prosecution has is directed towards Mr. Shisila
he said. There's very little against Mr. DeCoster.
McGee also stressed that gambling only becomes criminal when a person is taking bets and making a profit. While Shisila pleaded to such charges, there's nothing that shows DeCoster did anything more than place a few friendly bets he added.
Lang refused to comment on any specific evidence as the case against DeCoster is still pending.
Although Shisila's case is closed, many investigation files cannot be released because they include evidence in DeCoster's case, said OUPD Lt. Rich Russell.
DeCoster is slated for a pre-trial hearing May 7.
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