DOJ Requests More Time to Indict Michigan Poker Player in FBI Fraud Case

George Janssen Indictment Extension 48211.htm Pokernews 🕒 2 🗒️ 413

The US Department of Justice asked for a deadline extension for the indictment against George Janssen, a Michigan poker player who last month was accused of fraud by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On Feb. 25, the FBI filed a complaint in the US District Court Eastern District of Michigan accusing Janssen of running a multi-million dollar auto loan scheme.

Ordinarily, prosecutors must file an indictment within 30 days of when the defendant was arrested (Feb. 28). But the DOJ asked US Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris for an extension to May 28 in a joint motion with Janssen, arguing that “the ends of justice served by this continuance outweigh the best interests of the defendant and the public in a speedy indictment.”

George Janssen Court Documents They also requested that a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 20 be pushed back to May 28 “because both parties need additional time to analyze the discovery and prepare for the preliminary hearing.”

Judge Morris approved both requests and ordered a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 28 at 2 p.m. Eastern and for the government to file an indictment by the same date.

Complaint Against Janssen

Janssen, four-time World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) ring winner and Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) Main Event champion, went missing in November 2023 and claimed to have been held captive as part of a years-spanning extortion scheme.

The FBI alleges that Janssen, a former used car dealer, obtained millions in fraudulent car loans from various financial institutions and directed friends and family members to take out fraudulent loans on his behalf.

George Janssen Collectively, the group obtained more than $3.93 million from various banks and credit unions.

In the weeks before he went missing, prosecutors say Janssen lost his license to sell cars in Michigan for a five-year period and allegedly deposited $1.4 million in bad checks.

While he was missing, the FBI and other agencies were notified of “several loans which had gone unpaid” taken out by close associates of Janssen. The FBI said multiple friends of Janssen approached law enforcement “to clear their name and express concern they had been defrauded by Janssen, who convinced them to take out multiple vehicle loans.”

Janssen had an initial court appearance on Feb. 28 and was released on bail. No charges are currently filed against him.

Connor Richards is an Editor & Live Reporter for PokerNews and host of the Life Outside Poker podcast. Connor has been nominated for two Global Poker Awards for his writing.

FAQ

How to play okey online?

How to play okey online? During the game each player receives a hand of 14 tiles. The objective of the game is to form a hand that consists entirely of sets of equal numbered tiles and runs of consecutive tiles of the same color. This can be achieved by drawing and discarding tiles. The first player to complete their hand wins the game.

How do I withdraw money from WPT?

How do I withdraw money from WPT? How to withdraw funds from WPT Global? Visit the cashier and choose “Withdraw” Choose one of the available methods. Enter an amount. Confirm the address and the protocol (be careful, withdrawals sent to wrong crypto addresses may be lost) Click on Withdrawal.

Can I use a VPN for WPT global?

Can I use a VPN for WPT global? Wptglobal is one of the world’s largest online poker sites, but it is also one of the most restrictive in terms of IP address restrictions. As a general rule, traditional VPNs cannot be used to access the platform because they can either warn or block your accounts.

What forms of payment are accepted on WPT Global?

What forms of payment are accepted on WPT Global? Players can use a range of payment methods (depending on region) including Visa, bank transfer, NETELLER, Skrill, and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and more via Coinspaid and Coindirect. Other methods include (available in some regions): Interac, Muchbetter, PIX, Boleto, Ecopayz, Astropay, and Luxon.

What is the best WPT Global bonus code?

What is the best World Poker Tour bonus code? Use the WPT Global bonus code WPT777 when registering to get a 100% deposit bonus up to $1200 plus a $100 No Deposit poker bonus.