Former Full Tilt Poker Payments Director Nelson Burtnick Arrested, Released on Bail
Amid the chaos that took place on Tuesday involving PokerStars and the Department of Justice, former Full Tilt Poker payment processing director Nelson Burtnick was arrested upon arriving to New Jersey from his home in Dublin.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice confirmed to PokerNews that Burtnick appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges of money laundering and bank fraud in connection with the illegal activities conducted at Full Tilt Poker. He posted a $500,000 bond and had to surrender all of his travel documents. Burtnick was released late on Tuesday and is restricted to parts of New York and New Jersey.
Burtnick and FTP CEO Ray Bitar were two of the 11 men indicted by the U.S. government on Black Friday. Earlier this month, Bitar surrendered to U.S. authorities in New York. Upon his arrival, a superseding indictment was unsealed charging Bitar with defrauding poker customers by lying to them about the security of their funds. After spending a few days in jail, he pleaded not guilty and was freed on $2.5 million bail.
Burtnick's arrest leaves only three of the men under civil indictment left at large: Absolute Poker cofounder Scott Tom, and PokerStars execs Isai Scheinberg and P.T.. The defendants who have been arrested are Bitar, Bradley Franzen, Ryan Lang, Ira Rubin, Brent Beckley, Chad Elie, and John Campos. All but Bitar have pleaded guilty and are either serving prison time or awaiting a sentence.
According to a press release issued by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, the charges against the three remaining defendants "are allegations and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
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