Brandon Steven, Gambling Charge, Kansas 2023

Related Federal Cases

Steven Michael George Sentenced to 30 Years for Predation, Kansas C… · Missouri
Steven Michael George, Child Pornography, Kansas City MO, 2023 · Missouri
Steven Michael George, Trafficking in Child Pornography, Kansas Cit… · Missouri
Steven Michael George, Distributing and Hoarding Child Porn, MO, 2023 · Washington
Steven Michael George, Distributing and Hoarding Child Pornography,… · Arkansas

Table of Contents

Wichita Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Gambling Charge

A Wichita business owner has pleaded guilty to a federal gambling charge after a joint investigation by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service.

Brandon Steven, 45, of Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the unlawful transmission of wagering information.

As part of his plea agreement, Steven has agreed to forfeit more than $1 million. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

The investigation revealed that Steven acted in cooperation with co-defendant Daven Flax, who was conducting illegal private poker games. Participants were notified via text messaging about the games, which also contained information about payments or collections of money.

After the games, Steven concealed the involvement of Flax and others by hiding handwritten ledgers or computerized records detailing gambling credits, earnings, and obligations of the gambling business.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister commended the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service for their work on the case, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mona Furst and Aaron Smith for their efforts in prosecuting the case.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing laws related to gambling and the consequences of engaging in such activities.