North Belle Vernon fire department president accused of rigging bingo game

The president of the North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department is accused of rigging the department's bonus bingo May 7.

Roger Alan Nogy, 56, of 312 Speer St., is accused of violating the small games of chance act, theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception in connection with the incident at the fire hall.

Nogy faces a preliminary hearing Oct. 27 before West Newton District Judge Charles Christner.

Westmoreland County Detective Richard Kranitz said in court papers that another bingo worker, Daneen Watson, noticed that Nogy appeared to be intentionally announcing the wrong numbers at the bingo. Kranitz alleges that Nogy called the wrong numbers so a friend, Mary Gene Bridge of North Belle Vernon, could win the $1,500 grand prize.

Krantiz said Bridge admitted in an interview that she agreed to split the jackpot with Nogy and his wife, DeAnne.

Neither Bridge or DeAnne Nogy has been charged. Nogy was released on recognizance bond after his arraignment Thursday.