On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Reuters reported that a federal judge ordered the release of prominent attorney Tom Goldstein from jail, just three days after his arrest for allegedly breaching pretrial release conditions in a tax-related case linked to his poker playing activities. Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan, presiding in Greenbelt, Maryland, determined that there was insufficient evidence to justify Goldstein’s continued detention despite suspicions regarding his involvement in undisclosed cryptocurrency transactions.
During a recent hearing, Judge Sullivan highlighted that while he believed Goldstein may have concealed transactions, the evidence presented did not warrant keeping him incarcerated. Following this ruling, the judge imposed new conditions for Goldstein’s release, which included monitoring his internet activity and prohibiting him from spending, receiving, or transferring any cryptocurrency.
The judge expressed concerns about Goldstein’s potential access to undisclosed funds that could facilitate his escape from legal proceedings.
Goldstein, who is well-known for his role as the publisher of SCOTUSblog and his extensive experience arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, was indicted last month on 22 counts, including tax evasion and other tax offenses allegedly stemming from his poker-related activities.
According to the indictment, Goldstein’s poker career resulted in significant financial fluctuations, with reports of him winning and losing millions in individual matches. The indictment further alleges that he made improper payments through his law firm to settle gambling debts. Goldstein entered a not guilty plea on January 27 and was subsequently granted pretrial release at that time.
A spokesperson for Goldstein stated that the government had not met its burden of proof, leading to the court’s decision to release him. In contrast, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Maryland chose not to comment on the matter.
Last week, prosecutors contended that Goldstein had engaged in transferring millions in cryptocurrency through hidden accounts shortly after his initial release, which resulted in his second arrest and detention. In response, Goldstein’s legal team argued in court documents that the cryptocurrency transfers were conducted in 2023 and maintained that he did not own the accounts involved.
Judge Sullivan concluded that the evidence presented by Goldstein raised “sufficient doubt” regarding the government’s claims, although he noted that Goldstein had not completely disproven the allegations against him.
Source: Reuters
