Legend27
05-16-2004, 12:09 PM
TOMS RIVER, New Jersey (AP) -- A man scheduled to be sentenced for masterminding an illegal million-dollar investment scheme went to Las Vegas instead to play poker.
Superior Court Judge James N. Citta issued a bench warrant Friday for the arrest Brian Strahl, 29, of Staten Island, New York. Citta called Strahl "a degenerate gambler."
Strahl was scheduled to be sentenced Friday, but faxed Citta from Las Vegas to say he was playing in the World Series of Poker to win money to make restitution to his victims. The letter said he had made $5,000 so far.
Strahl's lawyer, Michael Chazen, told the Asbury Park Press of Neptune that his client attempted to return from Las Vegas on Friday, but misplaced his ID and was not allowed on his flight.
In the letter Strahl faxed to Citta, he said he planned to take a train that would arrive on the East Coast on Monday.
Strahl's sentencing was rescheduled for July 16. He could receive up to 20 years in prison.
Strahl pleaded guilty last year to money laundering and admitted he and a co-defendant solicited investments in a nonexistent company. Investors were bilked out of $1.8 million.
Superior Court Judge James N. Citta issued a bench warrant Friday for the arrest Brian Strahl, 29, of Staten Island, New York. Citta called Strahl "a degenerate gambler."
Strahl was scheduled to be sentenced Friday, but faxed Citta from Las Vegas to say he was playing in the World Series of Poker to win money to make restitution to his victims. The letter said he had made $5,000 so far.
Strahl's lawyer, Michael Chazen, told the Asbury Park Press of Neptune that his client attempted to return from Las Vegas on Friday, but misplaced his ID and was not allowed on his flight.
In the letter Strahl faxed to Citta, he said he planned to take a train that would arrive on the East Coast on Monday.
Strahl's sentencing was rescheduled for July 16. He could receive up to 20 years in prison.
Strahl pleaded guilty last year to money laundering and admitted he and a co-defendant solicited investments in a nonexistent company. Investors were bilked out of $1.8 million.