Ex-Supreme Court Lawyer Denies Intentional Misconduct in High-Stakes Gambling Trial

Former Supreme Court Lawyer Faces Allegations of Underreporting Gambling Earnings

Thomas Goldstein, a seasoned attorney previously practicing before the US Supreme Court, stands accused of intentionally underreporting millions in poker winnings. Authorities allege that his involvement in high-stakes gambling compromised his professional integrity and led to legal violations.

Goldstein Claims Errors Were Unintentional

During a hearing, Goldstein testified in his defense, admitting to errors but firmly denying any criminal intent. He took responsibility for not scrutinizing his tax filings and his former law firm’s finances diligently, attributing the issues to misplaced trust in his financial advisors rather than a scheme to evade taxes.

“That’s my responsibility. I may have to bear consequences for a long time, but that is different from committing a crime.”

Thomas Goldstein

Prosecutors, however, contend that Goldstein failed to disclose substantial gambling earnings over several years despite maintaining an expensive lifestyle marked by lavish travel, luxury cars, and high-end homes. They assert that investor contributions helped bankroll his poker ventures in exchange for profit shares, creating financial flows that were not transparently reported.

Reports indicate the case centers on whether these discrepancies were deliberate. Prosecutors point to financial documents revealing how funds were routed through Goldstein’s firm in ways that obscured their source. They also accuse him of providing false information on mortgage applications and mischaracterizing poker earnings as loans rather than taxable income.

Goldstein Acknowledges Large Gambling Losses but Denies Income Concealment

While Goldstein admits he participated in exclusive poker games with swings reaching millions in a single night and has publicly acknowledged losses up to $15 million, he disputes that he intentionally hid income. He emphasizes that the complex arrangements involving staking and profit splitting contributed to accounting challenges and misunderstandings.

Extravagant Spending Cited by Prosecutors

Prosecutor Sean Beaty challenged Goldstein with examples of lavish expenditures during periods when the government claims he owed considerable tax debts. These included a $225,000 luxury automobile, upscale rentals in Miami, and expensive social outings. Beaty argued that such spending patterns contradict claims of inadvertent errors.

Goldstein admitted to misplaced priorities and acknowledged some purchases were regrettable. Despite questions about how a highly respected appellate lawyer could make these mistakes, he maintained that poor judgement does not equate to deliberate fraud. The trial may proceed to deliberations as early as next week.