Convicted Poker Pro Wants to Win Restitution Money by Playing

Last year, George Janssen, a poker professional from Michigan, was slammed with a conviction due to his involvement in a $4 million auto loan fraud. While Janssen pleaded guilty, he now hopes to secure a lighter sentence that would allow him to earn the restitution money via poker.

Janssen Wants to Repay What He Owes by Playing Poker

Janssen’s fraud saw him defraud several credit units out of almost $4 million. Janssen initially claimed that he was being extorted by gang members, which led to the fraud. However, the court determined that this was likely untrue. Further investigation by the FBI charged him with financial institution fraud, claiming that the fraud, which ran from June 2016 to October 2023, was intentional.

In August last year, the player pleaded guilty and is now awaiting his sentence. As the sentencing looms, Janssen has asked for a lighter sentence that would allow him to play poker and earn back what he owes.

Janssen’s attorney, Keith E. Corbett, emphasized that Janssen has never denied his guilt and is now prepared to do everything he can to accept responsibility. Corbett added that Janssen intends to pay restitution via his poker winnings, saying that this is why he should get a more lenient sentence.

The defense seeks a lighter prison sentence of 24 months – roughly half of the recommended 51 months – in order to allow Janssen to play poker and earn the money to pay restitution.

The Attorney Says Janssen Had Always Intended to Replay the Money

Corbett insisted that Janssen’s scheme was prompted by the hardship associated with the Covid pandemic. He insisted that the player had always intended to “pay the money back.” However, the attorney admitted that his client had set unrealistic expectations, which led to the accusations, thus proving the maxim that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Corbett did not seem worried about whether Janssen would be able to make money by playing poker, insisting that the pro had been using poker as a source of income since his guilty plea. The attorney emphasized that the player has proven that he can make a living via poker.

Corbett added that a lighter sentence will also reunite Janssen with his wife and children, contributing to his family life.