Previous Story
Man in illegal gambling case enters plea deal
|
Posted on Oct 23 2000
One of the six Chinese nationals charged in the U.S. District Court for illegal gambling on Saipan has reached a plea agreement with the federal government, becoming the first of the defendants to turn state witness.
In exchange for his guilty plea, Kwok Kwun Lee, alias “Andy Lee” or “K.K. Lee,” is expected to receive lighter punishment for one count of illegal gambling business based on the recommendation of the prosecution.
District Judge Alex R. Munson set his sentencing on January 9, 2001. Mr. Lee was released from detention on personal recognizance or on unsecured bond of $150,000.
According to the agreement unsealed by the court Friday, he agreed to keep in contact with Federal Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Wallace and to meet with him at any time requested.
The deal called for him to cooperate with government authorities in the prosecution of five others who are facing charges in connection with the illegal gambling operations in the tourist district of Garapan.
Indicted were Liu Jun Wei alias “A-Wei,” Tam Pan “Bing Ge,” Huang Hui Men “A-Huang,” Chen Cheng Zhan “A-Chen,” and Cai Zai Ming “A-Ming.” Mr. Lee was also indicted but his identity was kept sealed.
The five defendants have pled not guilty to seven counts filed in the indictment, including illegal gambling business, assault and racketeering charges.
Based on court documents, the alleged illegal gambling operations involving beto-beto , baccarat and big & small games began on July 1997 and continued until August of this year.
The suspects allegedly set up the VIP Casino in Garapan after Mr. Liu made an agreement with an unindicted co-conspirator Lam Kwong Yau alias “Albert Lam.”
Mr. Lam then was assaulted by the suspects when he planned to open a competing illegal gambling business, the documents stated.
They also assaulted with dangerous weapons another alleged illegal gambling operator Pierre Lam alias “A-Tsai” to force him to close his business also located in Garapan, the papers said. (BS)
