Anthony Hutchison, a former NFL athlete and high-stakes poker player, who was recently found guilty of defrauding the Houston Independent School District (HISD), is now seeking a new trial. Hutchison and his co-defendant, Brian Busby, the district’s former chief operating officer, were convicted last month on 33 criminal counts related to bribery and fraud.
Anthony Hutchison Convicted on Multiple Charges
Anthony Hutchison faces serious charges including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud. The jury found that he and Busby bribed district employees and overbilled HISD for landscaping services, causing millions in losses. The pair’s scheme spanned from 2013 to 2020, costing the school district over $800,000 annually.
Houston Independent School District
Legal Team Seeks More Time
Rusty Hardin, Anthony Hutchison’s attorney, requested and received an extension until August 4, 2025, to file motions for a new trial or partial acquittal. Hardin explained that the defense needs more time to review extensive trial transcripts and investigate further before filing motions.
The Poker Connection
Testimony revealed Anthony Hutchison was a regular at high-stakes private poker games in Houston. Despite losing up to $300,000 in one session, he always paid his debts. Witness Ayaz Mahmood, a World Series of Poker bracelet winner, testified that Hutchison used funds obtained from HISD to cover poker losses through a company called Bulldog Timber.
Evidence of Financial Deception
Checks written by Hutchison to Bulldog Timber were intended to appear as legitimate business expenses. However, Bulldog Timber’s owner denied providing any services to HISD. Prosecutors argued these payments were misclassified to reduce Hutchison’s taxable income and funnel money to cover poker debts.
What’s Next?
The defense team will now carefully analyze trial records in order to find grounds for a new trial. Possible reasons, for instance, include newly discovered evidence, jury misconduct, or procedural errors. Consequently, the court will decide after the motions are filed by August 4.
Five Potential Flaws in the Case
- Reliance on Testimony from Poker Players: Witnesses like Mahmood may have personal biases or motivations that affect credibility.
- Unclear Paper Trail: Some financial transactions involve third parties with limited documentation.
- Misclassification of Expenses: The defense could argue legitimate business expenses were misunderstood or misrepresented.
- Jury Misconduct Possibility: Any indication that jury members were influenced improperly could be grounds for a new trial.
- Procedural Errors: Any mistakes made during the trial process could impact the verdict’s validity.
In summary, while Hutchison was convicted on all counts, his legal team is exploring every option to challenge the verdict. The case highlights the complex intersection of white-collar crime and high-stakes gambling, and the coming months will be critical in determining Hutchison’s fate.
For more updates on this case and other poker news, stay tuned to POKERBOL.
FAQs
1. What charges was Anthony Hutchison convicted of?
Anthony Hutchison was convicted on 21 counts including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud related to defrauding the Houston Independent School District.
2. What is the basis for Hutchison seeking a new trial?
Hutchison’s defense is filing motions for a new trial and partial acquittal, citing, in particular, the need to review extensive trial transcripts and investigate potential procedural errors or newly discovered evidence.
3. How does poker factor into the case?
Hutchison, being a high-stakes poker player, allegedly used funds from the school district to cover losses in private poker games. This, in turn, involved a complex money flow through a third-party company.
