Vegas high-roller indicted in Ponzi scheme case
Lawyer for Vegas businessman with US, Lebanon ties calls wire fraud charges too vague to stand
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A defense lawyer says a federal indictment accusing a millionaire Las Vegas businessman of wire fraud contains weaker criminal charges than those prosecutors alleged when they accused him last summer and of heading an elaborate international Ponzi scheme.
Defense attorney Richard Wright said Wednesday the indictment against Ramon DeSage is too "vague and ambiguous" to hold up before a jury,
The four-count indictment filed Tuesday also seeks to let the government seize $191 million in cash and property that prosecutors allege was fraudulent amassed.
Wright denies DeSage was involved in a Ponzi scheme.
Wright says DeSage will plead not guilty in court Feb. 8.
DeSage holds dual U.S. and Lebanese citizenship.
Prosecutors allege he used his companies including Cadeau Express, Beryt and Merits Incentives to defraud investors.
