By Mike Scarcella
WASHINGTON, – Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire testified on Wednesday on the U.S. prison tax trial of Tom Goldstein, telling jurors in Greenbelt, Maryland that he as soon as employed the outstanding American lawyer to assist recuperate greater than $7 million in poker winnings.
Maguire stated he met Goldstein, a former prime U.S. Supreme Court docket lawyer, via “poker circles.” The actor, who starred as Spider-Man in Sam Raimi’s 2002 blockbuster movie, recounted studying poker in his youth, earlier than later enjoying in casinos and at non-public properties.
Federal prosecutors allege that Goldstein hid his true funds whereas main a “excessive curler” life-style as a high-stakes card participant. Maguire turned to Goldstein in 2020 and 2021 to recuperate greater than $7 million that the actor stated he received enjoying poker with a Texas businessman.
Maguire, who will not be accused of wrongdoing, testified that Goldstein had him route his $500,000 authorized charge to a 3rd celebration slightly than pay it on to Goldstein.
Prosecutors, who known as Maguire to testify on the eighth day of trial, allege Goldstein used the cost to repay certainly one of his personal poker money owed.
A lawyer for Goldstein stated that it was widespread within the poker world to have three-way transactions to resolve money owed. Maguire declined to remark after his testimony.
Goldstein pleaded not responsible final 12 months to expenses he did not report thousands and thousands of {dollars} he received in poker video games, lied on mortgage paperwork and made improper funds via his legislation agency Goldstein & Russell.
He contends that he relied on his accountants and legislation workplace managers for tax and monetary issues, and by no means willfully violated any federal legal guidelines.
Goldstein co-founded the SCOTUSblog information web site and argued greater than 40 instances earlier than the U.S. Supreme Court docket earlier than retiring in 2023. His trial is predicted to final about 4 weeks.
Skilled poker participant Vivek Rajkumar additionally testified on Wednesday and recounted having received $200,000 to $300,000 in matches with Goldstein.
“He was an unpredictable participant, I’d say — undoubtedly able to bluffing,” Rajkumar stated, describing his opponent. “A sensible participant, however wasn’t afraid to gamble.”