Assistant US Attorney Tells Online Gamblers, Testify, Or Go To Jail

A US federal investigation is under way regarding another Internet gambling operation, and it is customers of these Internet gambling sites that are paying the biggest price. Nicholas Zicarelli became the tenth online gambler jailed during the investigation for refusing to testify.

Zicarelli was placed in contempt of court after he refused to testify to what he knew about the investigation. He had been granted immunity from prosecution, but still refused to reveal any information.

Zicarelli's lawyer, Kenneth Hensley, believes that his client is just a pawn in the game of investigators. All his client wants, according to Hensley, is to be left alone and not be part of the investigation. Others have gone further, believing that the US Attorney Paul Becker is simply throwing his weight around to convince Zicarelli to testify.

"He's obviously let the power go to his head," said Ann Bennett, a friend of the Zicarelli family, as reported on KansasCity.com, "I don't appreciate my tax dollars going to someone with an ego. I want it spent properly."

Zicarelli's fate now is in the hands of either investigators or the jury. If the jury completes their term, or if the grand jury completes its probe, then Zicarelli and the others currently jailed would be released. They also could be released if they cooperate with the investigation and testify to what they know.

The Internet gambling industry has been under seize by the federal government for the better part of the year. Although President Obama believes the Internet should be free from censorship, his administration has continued to go after online gambling companies that are legally licensed in other countries.

November 17, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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