The manager of an illegal Oklahoma horse racing operation near Thackerville will pay more than $37,000 in fines and penalties after being sentenced today in Love County District Court.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson said Jesus Romero, also known as Jesse Romero, was sentenced as part of a negotiated agreement with prosecutors.

He pleaded guilty on Nov. 25, 2007, to one count of conspiracy, 22 counts of commercial gambling, 26 counts of charging an admission fee at an unlicensed horse racing track, and one count of managing unlawful proceeds.

As part of the agreement, he received suspended prison sentences totaling 37 years.

So far, 17 people have pleaded guilty in the case. Earlier this month, the state began the process of seeking the forfeiture of 96.8 acres used in the operation of the illegal track called Red River Playground.

The track, located near the Texas line in southern Oklahoma, was raided by law officers in July.

For more information see www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10882.