Report: Thomas Vanek a witness in federal gambling investigation

Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek was in a federal courthouse in Rochester, NY, Monday, as part of a federal gambling investigation, according to a report

Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek was in a federal courthouse in Rochester, NY, Monday, as part of a federal gambling investigation, according to a report from WHEC Rochester. 

WHEC reported that Vanek's agent Steve Bartlett said Vanek is a witness in a federal case and is not under any suspicion. 

The case centers on the Marina Restaurant and Bar in Rochester, where three men were recently arrested and charged with counts of money laundering and illegal gambling activity. WHEC reports that Vanek was not charged with a crime and came to the courthouse voluntarily. 

Vanek and his lawyer, Joel Daniels, said repeatedly outside the courthouse that they had no comment. 

Later however, Vanek did release a statement through Bartlett: 

Representatives of the U.S. Federal Government have asked for my cooperation in an investigation.  I am not the subject of any investigation or prosecution.  I will fully cooperate with the U.S. Federal authorities in their investigation or in any proceedings arising out of it.

Vanek played for the AHL's Rochester Americans and the Buffalo Sabres for nearly 10 years. Last season he was traded twice: first to the New York Islanders and then to the Montreal Canadiens. On July 1, he signed a three-year contract with the Wild worth $19.5 million. 

- Alex Hampl