At a state peace officers’ convention, two police officers from Sedateville, a small rural community, developed a friendship with two officers from Trendville, a metropolitan city. Gambling, except for a state lottery, was prohibited in the state. As their friendship developed, they enjoyed “a friendly game of poker” with modest betting. They all agreed that “after all, gambling is really not all bad” and probably should not be prohibited. As the rural officers began to lament their modest salaries, the Trendville officers introduced them to some “prominent businessmen.” They all agreed that “it would hurt no one” to allow these businessmen to conduct some private gambling operations in Sedateville. But, of course, the operation would require some protection by the local police.

With cooperation of the officers, the businessmen opened a bar where gambling was conducted in a back room. The new operation also accommodated male patrons seeking prostitutes by transporting the men to Trendville for a weekend “sports event.” Through the cooperation of the officers, the new operation was “overlooked” by the Sedateville police. In turn, the officers from Trendville and Sedateville enjoyed some of the profits from the gambling and prostitution activities.

The four officers’ gains eventually exceeded their salaries as police officers, and as they later said, “No one was hurt in this operation—people were just allowed to have a good time.” Under what circumstances would this scenario present a basis for a RICO prosecution?