Reece Powers II, 6 Others Charged in Ohio with Operating an Illegal Gambling Business
DAYTON, Ohio – In a shocking turn of events, six individuals, including former co-owner of R&J Partnership Ltd, Reece Powers II, have been charged with operating an illegal gambling business in Ohio. According to sources, Powers II oversaw the recruitment of local charitable organizations to sponsor casino-like card games, such as Texas Hold’em poker tournaments and live-action poker games, that were exempted from the general prohibition against games of chance under then-existing Ohio laws.
The indictment, which was returned on September 24, 2013, alleges that Powers II skimmed a portion of the money received from the poker fundraisers while providing false accountings of the money generated to the charitable organizations. Additionally, it is alleged that he conspired with others to sell R&J Partnership Ltd and its associated real estate for an amount less than its actual sale price, in an effort to evade the payment of taxes.
The indictment further alleges that five others, including Douglas A. Sanders, Jason S. Pulaski, Michael E. Gedeon, Jennifer Williams, and Walter F. Dyer, were involved in the operation of the illegal gambling business. According to the indictment, they received compensation for their roles in conducting the poker fundraisers in violation of Ohio law, at Powers II’s direction.
According to the indictment, Powers II also conspired with another individual to sell RLVS and its associated real estate so that it appeared as if the business was sold for an amount less than its actual sale price. Additionally, it is alleged that Dyer, Pulaski, Gedeon, and Williams committed obstruction of justice by testifying falsely before a federal grand jury investigating the poker scheme.
Reece Powers II faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, and five years of supervised release if convicted. The other defendants, including Douglas A. Sanders, Jason S. Pulaski, Michael E. Gedeon, Jennifer Williams, and Walter F. Dyer, face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $750,000 and three years of supervised release if convicted.
The case is being investigated by special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Jorge Almonte and Stephen Descano of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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