Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/08/01/betonsports_pleads_not_guilty/
Betonsports boss pleads not guilty
No bail...
Posted in Music and Media, 1st August 2006 09:12 GMT
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David Carruthers, the ex-CEO of Betonsports, appeared in court in St Louis yesterday and pleaded not guilty to racketeering charges.
Carruthers, wearing a prison-issue white T-shirt and khaki trousers, spoke only to confirm his name, age, and plea. He was returned to custody, although his lawyers are believed to be close to a deal for his release. It is expected he would have to stay in St Louis, post a $1m bail, and wear a GPS tag.
US authorities want $4.5bn and cars and computers from the company. They also want all money held by US account-holders returned. The case is being run by Missouri District Attorney Catherine Hanaway - previously a Republican representative.
The case will return to court 21 August before Judge Mary Ann Medler. More details here (http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/moe/files/significant_cases/betonsports.html).
Seven* other individuals also pleaded not guilty, including company founder Gary Kaplan's brother and sister.
Betonsports did not appear or send a representative.
Company founder Gary Kaplan is still missing.
More from Reuters (http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=businessNews&storyID=2006-07-31T221228Z_01_N31324456_RTRUKOC_0_UK-LEISURE-BETONSPORTS.xml) and The Guardian (http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,1834533,00.html).
In a separate hearing, the injunction stopping Betonsports from taking bets was extended. ®
*Bootnote: Thanks to Reg reader George who pointed out that one suspect - William H Lenis - has pleaded guilty.