Prosecutors Withdraw Request to Detain Tom Goldstein Ahead of Sentencing
Prosecutors in Tom Goldstein's federal tax fraud trial over high-stakes poker games want him in custody as he awaits sentencing, according to court documents reviewed by PokerNews.
A jury in Greenbelt, Maryland convicted Goldstein on Wednesday of 12 of 16 counts in his high-profile trial stemming from ultra-high-stakes poker matches where he won over $50 million in 2016 alone.
In a court filing on Thursday, Goldstein's attorneys said the government had announced in court for the first time "that it intends to seek the detention of defendant Thomas Goldstein pending sentencing," which they said was "completely unwarranted" and contradicts the recommendation of Pretrial Services.
Sentencing in the case could still be months out, meaning Goldstein may spend weeks in custody as he awaits his fate on charges that carry stiff maximum penalties.
Previously Deemed a Flight Risk
Arguing against Goldstein's detention, his attorneys noted the high roller complied with his 20 current conditions of release for the past year, which include surrendering his passport, restricting travel to the Washington, D.C. area, no contact with over 80 individuals, and a prohibition on gambling.
A judge in Maryland previously deemed Goldstein a flight risk after prosecutors alleged he failed to disclose millions in cryptocurrency transfers, noting his extensive overseas ties. That includes his friend, client and backer Paul Phua.
But Goldstein's attorneys argued that "any risk on that score has been adequately addressed to this point by the numerous existing release conditions, including restrictions on travel, computer monitoring, and financial reporting." They also noted Goldstein was previously allowed, with no opposition from the government, to attend his child's graduation overseas.
"This track record of compliance with release conditions supports a finding that Mr. Goldstein is unlikely to flee," they wrote.
In a press release on Thursday, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the verdict "holds Thomas Goldstein accountable for cheating the tax system and lying to mortgage lenders."
“Goldstein chose fraud and deceit over honesty and tried to cheat the American taxpayer while living a lavish lifestyle,” said US Attorney Kelly O. Hayes. “He gambled that he wouldn’t get caught, and that gamble did not pay off."
Prosecutors and Goldstein's attorneys did not respond to requests for comment from PokerNews following the verdict.
