Lawyer Says Las Vegas Gambler Was Set Up in Bookie Case

William West Roberts, 57, faces charges for operating an unlicensed gaming spot, taking bets without the required license, attempting to launder funds, and accepting illegal wagers.

Prosecutors say the activity involved about $8 million in bets at Nevada sportsbooks and through a Costa Rica-tied site.

Defense Calls It Entrapment

Roberts’ attorney, Chris Rasmussen, says his client did nothing wrong and that the investigation turned into a setup. Newly opened grand jury papers show that witness Pietro Ventrella was paid between $5,000 and $6,000 after he recorded talks with Roberts while helping the Gaming Control Board and the FBI.

Rasmussen said the agents were aggressive. They showed up at Roberts’ gym and even went through his wife to start conversations about sports betting.

Roberts has always said he is not a bookie. He runs a licensed sports information service called Wild Bill Consulting Inc. that sells picks.

How the Probe Got Started

Records show the case began almost four years ago. The mother of Roberts’ child, who has been in a long custody fight with him, told the Gaming Control Board that he was acting as a bookie. Ventrella later met Roberts at the gym and recorded a conversation at a steakhouse inside Caesars Palace using a phone investigators gave him.

On the recording, Roberts talked about older days in sports gambling and offered a cut for bringing in new players. Agents also placed undercover bets after they got login details. The prosecutor has said paying sources for this kind of work is normal.

Where the Case Stands

Roberts was indicted late in September. A judge released him on his own recognizance with electronic monitoring and ordered him to surrender his passport. Prosecutors later asked the court to raise bail to $1 million, saying he kept taking bets after his arrest. The defense has fought that move and pointed out that Roberts has followed every court rule so far.

The case is still open. Roberts keeps saying he is innocent.

If You Are Facing Gaming Charges or an Investigation

If you or someone close to you is dealing with bookmaking charges, gaming-related allegations, or an active investigation, get advice sooner rather than later. Contact our office for a free initial consultation.

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