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Two of three people charged in a Middletown gambling raid in February pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense this week.

Laurie Anderson, 37, and Matthew Balotin, 30, each pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy, according to Court of Common Pleas records.

Anderson was sentenced to six months' probation and Balotin was sentenced to one month probation. Both will be discharged from probation early after they pay fines and other court costs, court records showed.

The two, along with Anderson's husband, William S. Anderson, were arrested Feb. 4 at The Legends community in Middletown after neighbors complained about the number of vehicles outside the cul-de-sac home.

Middletown police conducted surveillance of the Andersons' home in the first block of Little Circle and identified players and suspects. Balotin was the Andersons' live-in bouncer.

During the surveillance, police said they learned that Texas hold 'em poker games and sports betting were going on inside and on some occasions topless dealers and barmaids served alcohol to players. Police seized computers, gambling tables, documents, a credit card machine and lists of prominent members of The Legends as well as players from several other states.

William Anderson, who is charged with first-degree advanced gambling and five other charges, is scheduled to go to trial in August.

Written By Esteban Parra

www.delawareonline.com