What exactly happened in Gilbert Arenas' case? Here are 10 key points
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The indictment filed by the federal prosecutors stated that Arenas ran illegal poker activities from his mansion between September 2021 and July 2022.
The Gilbert Arenas trial is due on September 23 and will be held in U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi's court. According to the latest report published in NY Times, the former NBA star pleaded not guilty and was released on a $50,000 bond.
Here are the 10 key points about the Gilbert Arenas case.
1. Gilbert Arenas charged with staging his California mansion for gambling activities
Gilbert Arenas is charged with running an illegal poker business. He staged his California mansion using staff, security guards, billboards, etc., to run the gambling operations, as per the indictment filed.
2. Gilbert Arenas earned rent and rake from the alleged gambling operations
Gilbert Arenas earned rent via an intermediary on the property used for high-stakes poker activities. He also netted a cut on every high-stakes pot called 'rake,' as per indictment filed.
3. Gilbert Arenas was hosting a poker variant called Pot Limit Omaha illegally, among other games
Since Gilbert Arenas allegedly earned rent and rake for hosting Pot Limit Omaha on his premises, it could not be considered a private game among friends.
4. Gilbert Arenas' charges include conspiring of and running a full-blown gambling operation illegally, and making false statements to federal officers
Gilbert Arenas' indictment file states that the charges against him include one count of conspiring to run an illegal gambling ring, one count of running an illegal gambling business, and submitting false testimonies to federal investigating officers.
5. Gilbert Arenas' five other accomplices include a member of an Israeli organized crime group
Among the five persons arrested along with Gilbert Arenas is Yevgeni Gershman. According to a NY Times report, he is a member of an Israeli organized crime group, as per the government's claim.
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6. Gilbert Arenas also allegedly earned 'tax' on services provided by women in the gambling business
According to the prosecution, young women were hired to assist in gambling operations. The women collected tips for serving drinks, passing on messages, and acting as companions to players. Gilbert Arenas deducted a cut from the earnings they made, as per an ABC 7's report.
7. A photo evidence presented as proof of Gilbert Arenas' involvement in illegal gambling business
ABC 7's report also mentions a photo evidence submitted in support of the charges. The prosecutors claimed that the photo was texted by Gilbert Arenas to one of the defendants.
The photo included a golden table carrying the words, 'Arenas Poker Club.'
8. Text messages were exchanged for operational activities
Prosecutors also submitted copies of text messages exchanged between Gilbert Arenas and other defendants. In the messages, they discussed the scheduling of games and matters related to the operations of the gambling business.
9. A defendant, Ievgen Krachun, 43, of Tarzana, acted as a 'chip runner'
Of the five other members accused, Ievgen Krachun of Tarzana was charged as the chip runner in the business. He kept a record of players' earnings and losses.
Also, he distributed poker chips. Paying employees was his responsibility, too.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas arrested in illegal gambling probe
10. Gilbert Arenas may face prison time if charges are proven
If all charges are proved, Gilbert Arenas may face prison time of up to five years for each count of felony mentioned in the indictment.
Gilbert Arenas did not release any statement officially. However, on release after paying the bond, he posted a video on Instagram. He is seen dancing in the video. In the caption, he mentioned that he just rented the premises and had nothing to do with the festivities.
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