by KYW's Al Novack and Harry Donahue
A Chester County man -- a onetime schoolmate of former NBA referee Tim Donaghy -- is being identified in press reports as the alleged bookie at the heart of the referee betting scandal.
The New York Daily News says that James Battista of Phoenixville, Pa. (above) is the target of that federal focus into allegations that Donaghy bet on NBA basketball games that he was officiating.
Battista's defense attorney Jack McMahon says neither he nor his client know if there will be an indictment:
"As to specifics he said he wasn't sure. He said if he is indicted he'll voluntarily turn himself in. And secondly, he'll vigorously defend himself about the things we've been reading about in the news."
McMahon says he was in contact with the government a few days ago to indicate a willingness to cooperate, and says if there is an indictment he would expect it to happen soon.
Battista attended Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield (Delaware County), Pa. at the same time Donaghy did, but Battista was in a class ahead of Donaghy's.
(Photo: Jeff Fusco/New York Daily News)
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