Accused of Laundering Hundreds of Thousands from Underground Poker Games!
James Kerr, a well-known Florida poker professional, has been arrested after authorities accused him of running an illegal gambling operation that generated nearly $800,000. The 39-year-old player, famous for his live tournament winnings, now faces serious charges, including money laundering.
The Alleged Gambling Operation In Poker Games
Kerr, a seasoned poker player with almost $700,000 in career tournament earnings, allegedly hosted underground poker games in Winter Haven, a city south of Orlando, between 2021 and 2023. According to police, he masterminded a large-scale gambling ring, moving significant sums of money through various bank accounts. Authorities claim that Kerr used his professional gambling reputation to conceal illicit gains. This practice allegedly involved multiple venues. One of these venues included a former law office that served as the main base for these illegal poker games.
Investigating the Hidden Fortune
The Polk County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Grady Judd, started investigating Kerr after receiving a tip-off. Undercover detectives infiltrated the games, collecting evidence to support their claims. Judd detailed the operation in a public statement, revealing that Kerr had been hiding hundreds of thousands of dollars from the illegal gambling activities.
Sheriff Judd stated, “James Kerr got greedy. Despite his success in legitimate poker, he set up his own illegal game and that’s when he crossed the line.” Authorities suggest the poker pro was living a double life—earning big legally while allegedly raking in even bigger sums illegally.
A Pro with a Troubling Past In Poker Games
Known for his consistent performance in cash games across Florida, Kerr’s legal poker winnings include major tournament cashes. In 2021, he won $228,038 after taking first place in the $1,700 Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Poker Classic Main Event. His most recent win came in September 2024, where he secured $111,294 after winning a $2,500 buy-in tournament at the same casino.
Despite his success in the poker world, Kerr’s legal winnings pale in comparison to the alleged money he made from illegal games. Investigators claim they uncovered a web of transactions between Kerr’s bank accounts. This further suggests that he was laundering money from the underground operation.
The Legal Battle Begins
Kerr made his first court appearance after the arrest, where his defense attorney argued that the state lacked probable cause to charge him with any crime. However, the judge imposed a $60,000 bail and placed a GPS monitor on Kerr, pending the outcome of the case.
The Dark Side of Poker Games
While poker is known for its high-stakes excitement, the case of James Kerr underscores the risks associated with illegal gambling. Kerr’s story serves as a reminder that even successful professional players can fall into criminal activities, driven by greed. His legal troubles are just the latest example of how the poker world can sometimes blur the lines between legitimate competition and illicit enterprises.
As the case unfolds, the poker community will be watching closely, with many questioning the consequences of crossing from professional gaming into illegal gambling. Kerr’s arrest may just be the beginning of a larger crackdown on underground poker operations in the state.
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Source: POKERNEWS
