THREE of the four individuals allegedly involved in an illegal gambling ring at the former MGM Spa in Tamuning have pleaded not guilty yesterday to new charges brought forth against them in federal court.
William M. Perez, Wai Kam Ho and Jennie Wen Chin Pau appeared at the District Court of Guam yesterday to answer to a superseding indictment and arraignment before Magistrate Judge Joaquin Manibusan.
The fourth suspect, Jimmy Hsieh, is currently off-island with permission obtained from the court to travel. He is set to answer to the charges on May 2.
The new charges brought forth against them are conspiracy, illegal gambling business, money laundering, structuring, and criminal forfeiture.
Perez, Ho and Pau each pleaded not guilty to the charges. Although Hsieh was not present, he too will plead not guilty, according to his defense attorney, Howard Trapp.
Originally, there were five suspects alleged to have operated an illegal gambling business in the basement of the MGM Spa sometime from January 2006 to December 2010.
The fifth suspect, Pauline Perez, pleaded guilty last month to count two of the indictment charging her with operating an illegal gambling business. Variety news files state Perez’s alleged role in the illegal gambling scene was as a cashier for the nightly poker games.
The trial date for the four individuals is set for Aug. 21 with a request for a jury of 12 people.
Suspects in MGM Spa illegal gambling case plead not guilty
- Friday, 27 Apr 2012 03:00am
- BY GERALDINE CASTILLO | VARIETY NEWS STAFF
- Hits: 578
