Campos and Elie: March 2012 Court Date Scheduled

It appears that John Campos and Chad Elie are headed for their day in court, starting March 12, 2012. Both men were charged in a case that shut down three of the biggest internet poker companies in April 2011.
At one point, it was thought that the two men would be able to avoid a trial. However, this now appears unlikely. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan listened to arguments from attorneys for both men. Here is what he had to say:
“I think it’s extraordinarily unlikely that the entire indictment will be dismissed.”
As you can see, it is not looking too good for Campos and Elie.
Despite the fact that a dozen people were charged in the case, it appears that these two are the only ones headed to trial. Half of the others remain overseas and were never arrested. The others involved should be able to resolve their situation without a trial.
Campos is the former vice-chairman of SunFirst Bank. He is charged with processing money for foreign online poker services including Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, at the request of Elie.
Prosecutors are seeking $3 billion in money laundering penalties against those illegally involved with Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars, and Absolute Poker.
Since October 2006, when the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed, it is a crime for companies to accept payment in connection with online gambling.
Is there any chance that Campos and Elie could get off the hook? According to Campos’ attorney, Frederick Hafetz, the two men should not be in any trouble since they were not directly involved with the business of the three companies noted above.
Elie was released after his arrest on $250,000 bail and Campos was released on $25,000 bail.
Stay tuned for more updates on this case: U.S. v. Scheinberg, 10-cr-00336, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).
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