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November 13, 2008

Two poker players want hearing in Putnam case

Men were in game that was robbed of $27,000 by women

Staff writer

WINFIELD,W.Va. - Two of the eight high-stakes poker players charged with illegal gambling after being robbed at gunpoint last year are fighting the charges.

Harry Knopp of Parkersburg and Gerald Higginbotham of Nitro have refused to plead guilty to misdemeanor illegal gambling charges and have requested a hearing.

The Putnam prosecutor's office filed the charges Oct. 29 against: Robert Lee Burgess of Charleston; K.A. Anemodouriotis of Huntington; John Collins of Hurricane; Billy Molner of Charleston; Adan Assi of Kenova; Max Ullman of Vienna; Higginbotham and Knopp.

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11 Comments

Posted By: OldBookGuy (11:16pm 11-13-2008)

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The two are correct, poker does not meet the standard as a gambling chance game.

Poker, as a player, I can tell you takes alot of skill over time to be successful at.

The standard, set in a 1946 case, is chance must "Predominate" not simply be an element.

obg

Posted By: goteyeonu (9:10pm 11-13-2008)

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to letsplaypoker, that is exactly what everyone is saying. Double standards, especially from ones who make the laws, to ones who enforce the laws. not fair at all. Gambling is so so big in this state, who cares if a few retired guys gamble.

Posted By: goteyeonu (3:16pm 11-13-2008)

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I would venture to say, This is the FIRST conviction of a poker game EVER in Putnam county. do you actually think it was the first game ever known to a prosecutor in Putnam County.? If it is, somebody has been neglecting their duties as law enforcement for many, many years. If anyone has ever heard of an arrest of a poker game in Putnam County, PLEASE respond.

Posted By: WVU77 (1:43pm 11-13-2008)

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The problem is that from November 2007 until October 2008 these men who were robbed at gun point, cooperated with the police, helped to convict the armed robbers, and did everything the police prosecutor's office asked of them - including admitting to the poker game in order to aid in the prosecution. They were assured by the Sheriff they wouldn't be charged due to their voluntary reporting and cooperation. They didn't have to coopearate or give statements to the police about the robbery because doing so also caused them to admit to a crime - poker. They could have invoked their 5th Amendment rights.

Then, once the prosecutor's office got pleas and convictions from the robbers, with the help of these poker players, the Office went after them too. Who is the real hypocrite? What a thank you.

Posted By: True WV (1:24pm 11-13-2008)

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EB is right. The state has no business being in an illegal business activity.

Posted By: EB (11:14am 11-13-2008)

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The issue to me is the screaming hypocricy of the state of West Virginia criminalizing this type of "gambling," while making millions of dollars ripping people off through lotteries and casinos. I guess the state doesn't like competition!

Posted By: True WV (7:51am 11-13-2008)

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Robbed of $27,000 and they think $300 is a big fine??? They were breaking the law, and until the law is changed, it should be enforced. They should have been charged months ago, the day they were caught.

Posted By: WEST VIRGINIAN (5:52am 11-13-2008)

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Did anyone see the men gambling?

Maybe they were having a prayer session.

Posted By: goteyeonu (2:45am 11-13-2008)

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Harry, I think you made a good move. Good Luck !!!!
I think the Putnam County Court system has finally been taken to task on this one. They know that their own deputies often play poker, not to mention, they even stated that they would be interested in acting as guards, should you play again.
A good bluff, may beat a hefty fine !!!!!!