Kansas City Gambler Jailed for Refusing to Talk
Refusing to testify before a Grand Jury investigating illegal online gambling in the USA has landed a player in the slammer. Nicholas Zicarelli was jailed for saying he will not testify, his lawyer, Kenneth Hensley, said at the contempt hearing in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Zicarelli who was a customer at a particular gambling establishment being looked at by authorities claims to have been nothing more than that. His lawyer pointed out before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays that his client is a law-abiding citizen who doesn’t want to be dragged into this investigation. Mr. Hensley asked the judge for a two week recess and to get the prosecution working on real evidence to support their allegations against Nicholas Zicarelli. The defendant Zicarelli had invoked his 5th Amendment right not to give evidence earlier that would have implicated him in a criminal activity. Even after a judge then gave him immunity from prosecution, Zicarelli still refused to talk. Paul Becker, Assistant U.S. Attorney, said the Grand jury has a right to hear evidence about violations of U.S. laws. Becker argued, “A law-abiding citizen has to make a decision,” “Do I obey the law, or do I protect my bookmaker?” Apparently in a dramatic confrontation at the courthouse Anthony Zicarelli, the defendant’s father confronted Becker, “It’s amazing how much power you have to destroy my son’s life,” Anthony Zicarelli said, “You’re putting all these young kids in jail.” He challenged the Assistant U.S. Attorney, to investigate serious crimes. Becker listened to the criticism and left without comment.
Judge Kays jailed him for as long as eighteen months after declaring the defendant in contempt of court. Three other men have been put in prison for similar offences last summer.
