Top Supreme Court Lawyer Indicted on Federal Tax Evasion Charges
tom Goldstein, a prominent attorney and co-founder of the widely-read poker winnings and used funds from his law firm to cover gambling debts.
Goldstein, 54, is also accused of making false statements to two mortgage lenders. According to the indictment, he willfully failed to pay over $5.3 million in taxes owed to the IRS between 2016 and 2021.
A seasoned litigator, Goldstein has appeared before the Bush v. Gore case, which halted the recount of Florida ballots in the disputed 2000 presidential election. He also successfully defended Google in a high-profile case involving allegations that its use of Oracle software code in Android violated U.S. copyright law.
Goldstein’s legal expertise extends beyond the courtroom.He has taught at Harvard Law School and is a respected commentator on Supreme Court matters. Though, his recent indictment casts a shadow over his illustrious career.
The charges highlight the serious consequences of tax evasion, particularly for high-profile individuals.Goldstein’s case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in financial dealings, even for those with significant professional achievements.
Key details of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Charges | Federal tax evasion, false statements to mortgage lenders |
| Alleged Tax Debt | $5.3 million (2016–2021) |
| Key Allegations | Undeclared poker winnings, misuse of law firm funds for gambling debts |
| Notable Career Milestones | Represented Al Gore in Bush v. Gore, defended Google in copyright case |
Goldstein’s case is a stark reminder of the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with professional success.As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case impacts his legacy and the broader conversation about tax compliance.
For more insights into the implications of tax evasion and its impact on high-profile individuals, explore the latest developments in tax evasion and avoidance.
Prominent Attorney Thomas Goldstein Faces 22-Count Indictment Over Gambling Debts and Tax Evasion
Thomas goldstein, a well-known appellate attorney and co-founder of SCOTUSblog, is facing a 22-count federal indictment in Maryland over allegations of misusing law firm funds, tax evasion, and falsifying mortgage applications. The charges stem from a series of high-stakes poker games, unpaid taxes, and personal debts that Goldstein allegedly concealed from authorities.
According to the indictment, Goldstein diverted over $1.1 million from his Bethesda-based law firm,Goldstein & Russell,to pay personal debts,including gambling obligations to poker players. The firm, which specialized in appellate litigation, has as been renamed following Goldstein’s retirement in early 2023.
High-Stakes Poker and Financial Misconduct
Goldstein, described as an “ultrahigh-stakes power player,” reportedly won millions in poker matches across the U.S. and abroad. In 2016, he allegedly won $13.8 million in a series of matches against a foreign gambler in Asia and later secured $26.4 million in games against a California businessman in beverly hills. Despite these winnings, Goldstein is accused of underreporting his gambling income by more than $3.9 million on his 2016 federal tax return and omitting $3.4 million in gambling income on his 2017 return.
The indictment also alleges that Goldstein submitted false mortgage applications in 2021 to purchase a $2.6 million home in Washington, D.C. He reportedly omitted over $14 million in liabilities, including promissory notes and unpaid taxes to the IRS, ultimately securing a $1.98 million loan.
personal relationships and Firm Misuse
From 2016 to 2022, Goldstein allegedly pursued intimate relationships with at least a dozen women, paying for their travel and other expenses while owing substantial amounts to the IRS. Four of these women were nominally hired by his firm, receiving health benefits despite performing “little or no work.”
legal defense and Public Reaction
Goldstein’s attorneys, John Lauro and Christopher Kise, have vehemently denied the charges, stating, “Mr. Goldstein is a prominent attorney with an impeccable reputation. We are deeply disappointed that the government brought these charges in a rush to judgment without understanding all of the important facts.” They added,”Our client intends to vigorously contest these charges and we expect he will be exonerated at trial.”
Goldstein, who co-founded SCOTUSblog with his wife, Amy Howe, in 2002, has been a notable figure in the legal community. His poker exploits were highlighted in a 2008 Washington Post article, were he described being “caught up watching poker on ESPN.” The article noted his participation in the World Series of Poker and an 18-hour cash game at the Bellagio, where he turned a $12,000 stack into over $100,000.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Goldstein faces multiple charges, including tax evasion, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, willful failure to pay taxes, and making false statements on loan applications. If convicted, he could face significant fines and imprisonment.
| Key Allegations Against Thomas Goldstein |
|———————————————-|
| Diverted $1.1 million in firm funds to pay personal debts |
| Underreported $3.9 million in gambling income (2016) |
| omitted $3.4 million in gambling income (2017) |
| Submitted false mortgage applications for a $2.6 million home |
| Omitted $14 million in liabilities on mortgage applications |
| Paid personal expenses for women while owing IRS debts |
What’s Next?
As the case moves to trial, Goldstein’s legal team is preparing a robust defense, arguing that the charges are based on incomplete details. The outcome of this high-profile case could have significant implications for both goldstein’s legacy and the legal community at large.
For more on this story and other political coverage, visit CNBC Politics.
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This article is based exclusively on the information provided in the source material. For further details, refer to the original Washington Post article and CNBC coverage.
