Man Skips Sentencing to Play Poker

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - A man scheduled to be sentenced for masterminding an illegal million-dollar investment scheme went to Las Vegas instead to play poker.



Superior Court Judge James N. Citta issued a bench warrant Friday for the arrest Brian Strahl, 29, of Staten Island, N.Y. Citta called Strahl "a degenerate gambler."


Strahl was scheduled to be sentenced Friday, but faxed Citta from Las Vegas to say he was playing in the World Series (news - web sites) of Poker to win money to make restitution to his victims. The letter said he had made $5,000 so far.


Strahl's lawyer, Michael Chazen, told the Asbury Park Press of Neptune that his client attempted to return from Las Vegas on Friday, but misplaced his ID and was not allowed on his flight.

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