Several of the figures indicted amid the U.S. crackdown on online bookmaker BetonSports appeared in a St. Louis U.S. District Court earlier today, pleading innocent to charges of racketeering, fraud and other assorted charges. Conspicuous among the no-shows, however, was deposed CEO David Carruthers – whose arraignment hearing was postponed by the U.S. attorney’s office until later in the day. His lawyer is on record as saying his client will likewise plead not-guilty.

British citizen Carruthers was arrested July 16 by U.S. authorities at a Texas airport en route to Costa Rica. Following the arrest, he was fired by BetonSports, citing that he could not fulfill his duties for the company while in custody. Following his startling arrest, a 22-count indictment charging 11 individuals and four corporations was unsealed involving racketeering, tax evasion, money laundering and fraud. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Ann Medler heard not guilty pleas from Tim Brown, Neil Kaplan, Lori Kaplan-Multz, William L. Lenis, William H. Lenis, Manny Lenis and Monica Lenis – all of whom had been free on bond. Of note, the Kaplans named are related to BetonSports founder Gary Kaplan – said to be the government’s prime target - who remains at large. He is reportedly still living in Costa Rica.

BetonSports, who have complied with a U.S. judge’s order to cease in their acceptance of wagers from the United States, did not send a legal representative to the proceedings.

posted by Rex Harris