Winnipeg Poker Players Guilty in Gambling Ring Charges

Two poker players dealt discharges

Source: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/story/4122258p-4716790c.html

Two Winnipeg poker players pleaded guilty this morning to their roles in an illegal gambling operation taken down by police last year.


Neil Faderson, 27, and Rellen Orcullo, 34, were both handed discharges which means they will continue to maintain clean criminal records. The Crown agreed with the sentence.


More than 50 others taken down in the undercover sting will receive similar dispositions after agreeing to enroll in a "positive lifestyles" program through the Salvation Army.


The Crown has promised to drop their charges upon completion. Their next court appearance is slated for March.

A handful of other accused have elected to fight their charges at trial dates which have been set for the spring of 2009. All of them are without lawyers and have chosen to represent themselves in court.

The Crown has given them a massive file of documents containing all the evidence police gathered against them.


Justice officials originally sent out a letter to all accused last October outlining their various options. Some bristled at the suggestion they take a course, which includes a component on problem gambling, because they feel it would be an admission they've done something wrong.


Many in city's poker community were outraged after the May 31 police raid on cash games around the city. Dubbed Project Kaleidoscope, the bust involved roughly 60 officers shutting down illegal games at the Bari Club on Corydon Avenue and the Barca Club on McMillan Avenue.


Police also raided Shooters Billiard Lounge on Pembina Highway, along with a condominium where one of the game's organizers lived.


A total of 57 people were charged for being present in common gaming houses.


Six others were charged with keeping a common gaming house - in essence, hosting the poker games - and they were not offered the same diversion deal as the players.


In Manitoba, poker games have to be licensed by the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission, and only certain groups, like churches or charities, are eligible to claim proceeds.


www.mikeoncrime.com


I guess this is why playing online is better some times, don't the police have better things to do with their time?

Comments

  • Graham wrote: »

    In Manitoba, poker games have to be licensed by the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission, and only certain groups, like churches or charities, are eligible to claim proceeds.

    So rake free home games are illegal?
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