Vegas High Roller Known for Frauds Slapped with 51 Months in Prison

In April 2022, the Nevada Gaming Control Board initiated an investigation into Resorts World Las Vegas over allegations that gambler B.S.

raised against the company’s president, Scott Sibella. 

As per the allegations, Sibella had lied about his ties with Sattler and also about the Tacos El Cabron restaurant on the Strip, which was partially owned by convicted felon D.S.

Now, the controversial Las Vegas high-stakes gambler is back in the news after he received a 51-month prison sentence after admitting to wire fraud. 

More Than $10M Obtained Under False Pretense 

The 47-year-old confessed to obtaining over $10 million under false pretenses from three lenders: James Russell, Grant Whitcher, and Julie Russell. 

According to court filings, B.S. claimed the funds were needed for casino renovation contracts, a fabrication intended to secure the loans.

Prosecutors revealed that the main manipulated bank records to inflate his account balances, deceiving lenders into funding his fictitious casino security business, SattCom Video. 

In truth, B.S. had no such renovation contracts or plans up his sleeve. Instead, his dealings with casinos revolved around gambling, as the man wagered large sums hoping for substantial payouts. 

During his deposition in April 2022, B.A. disclosed that he had experienced both significant wins and losses of millions while gambling on the Las Vegas Strip and other locations.

Besides the controversial accusations targeting former president of MGM Grand and Resorts World Las Vegas and the disclosure of a shared history of substance abuse, partying, and intimate encounters with multiple women alleged by B.S., the man also pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bank fraud two decades ago, in Texas. 

Even more, B.S. was convicted of grand theft and forgery charges in California in 2004. Two years later, he faced fraud charges in Los Angeles County.

Gambling Addiction, a Mitigating Factor 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Schiess explained that B.S. has been escalating his fraudulent schemes over time. 

“Instead of the punishments for prior offenses deterring the defendant from committing further crimes, it appears it has only led the defendant to engage in more sophisticated fraudulent schemes,” said Schiess. 

Defence attorney Shawn Perez cited B.S.’s gambling addiction as a mitigating factor, describing it as a “demon” that consumed his life and contributed to his crimes.

The gambler used the voice of his attorney to ask the Court to take into consideration a sentence that would be appropriate “under the facts and circumstances” of his particular case.