SKOWHEGAN — The head of the Madison Veterans of Foreign Wars post entered no plea Wednesday to charges that he made illegal payouts to patrons who played a video poker game at the VFW and then tried to hide evidence from police.
Louis Padula, 71, of Anson, was arraigned in Somerset County District Court and entered no plea to charges of unlawful gambling, tampering with a witness and falsifying physical evidence.
In court, Padula told Judge Andrew Benson that he understood his rights and the charges against him. He is next scheduled to appear in court on May 27.
“Mr. Padula has not done anything criminal and it is unfortunate that the state is pursuing these charges,” said his attorney, Anthony Shusta, outside of the court room. Padula declined to comment.
Padula is the post commander for the Madison VFW. He was arrested in March after police received a tip about illegal gambling at the post.
This story will be updated.
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