Two Joplin Men Indicted for Internet Gambling
| U.S. Attorney’s Office March 21, 2012 |
SPRINGFIELD, MO—Beth Phillips, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two Joplin, Missouri men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for operating an illegal gambling operation over the Internet.
William Lisle, 57, and Kenneth B. Lovett, 72, both of Joplin, were charged in a 16-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Missouri on February 29, 2012. The indictment was unsealed upon the arrests and initial court appearances of Lisle and Lovett.
The federal indictment alleges that Lisle and Lovett utilized the Internet to transmit wagering information, including placing bets on sporting events, as part of their gambling business from January 1, 2003, to February 8, 2011.
Lisle is also charged with 15 counts of money laundering. The indictment alleges that Lisle sent money from the gambling operation to Costa Rica by Federal Express in an effort to conceal the proceeds.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Lisle to forfeit to the United States $98,263 that was seized from his residence by law enforcement.
Phillips cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Joplin, Missouri Police Department.