The poker world and the American legal sphere were shaken after the verdict against Tom Goldstein
The trial, which took place over seven weeks in Maryland
According to the U.S. Department of Justice indictment, the lawyer concealed poker income from his accountants and the tax authorities, in addition to failing to declare gambling debts on mortgage applications. He was also accused of diverting legal fees to cover losses at high-level tables.
The trial of Tom Goldstein, with high stakes figures
The case had enormous media impact and featured testimony from businessmen, celebrities, and professional players. Among the names mentioned in the process were billionaire Andy Beal
Actor Tobey Maguire Testified To Having Received Training From Goldstein.
Other witnesses included accountants, tax specialists, IRS investigators, and mortgage lenders, who testified that Goldstein had failed to report US$15 million in poker debts on home mortgage applications.
Read more WSOP Bets Big On Youtubers: Up To US$40.000 In Bonuses And Hotels — CodigoPoker
The prosecution described the lawyer as a reckless gambler who deliberately concealed tax information. The defense, on the other hand, argued that Goldstein relied on his accounting advisors and never acted with the intent to evade taxes.
Goldstein himself testified during the trial and denied voluntarily concealing gambling winnings, although he admitted to minimizing debts on mortgage forms.
During closing arguments, a highly anticipated moment in the high-profile trial, prosecutors told jurors that the lawyer Goldstein lied to “everyone around him” about his life as a high stakes poker player.
“Mr. Goldstein is probably the smartest person in this room,” prosecutor Sean Beaty told the jury. “Smart people generally don’t document their tax evasion. They hide it behind the scenes. The crime here is the cover-up.”
Regarding the punishment, the prosecution has not announced the sentence it will seek for Goldstein, but he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion, up to 30 years for his alleged false statements to mortgage lenders, and a possible additional prison sentence for assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and willful failure to pay taxes.
Read more Tom Dwan Reappeared With Confusing And Concerning Messages On Social Media — CodigoPoker
