A St. Paul man who was stabbed to death in his home about two weeks ago was a "middleman" in an illegal gambling operation, according to a search warrant filed this week.

Wahchong Lee, 46, took numbers for local gamblers participating in a Thai lottery, a relative told police.

Lee was found about 1:30 p.m. Jan. 29 in his home in the 1000 block of Pacific Street. A search of the home turned up gambling paraphernalia and an undetermined amount of money.

A week later, police also conducted a second search at the home of two St. Paul men -- one of whom alleged Lee may have altered a lottery ticket to deprive the men of money they thought they were owed.

The men were arrested on suspicion of murder, according to Ramsey County jail records. They since have been released pending more investigation, police spokesman Peter Panos said.

ANTHONY LONETREE