Trial delayed pending FBI ruse ruling in Las Vegas
FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2014 file photo, Wei Seng Phua walks into federal court in Las Vegas. Phua, his son Darren Wai Kit Phua, and four others were arrested in July after federal agents raided three high-roller villas at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Defense attorneys will ask U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen on Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, to throw out the evidence that was collected as the tainted result of an illegal FBI ruse. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
LAS VEGAS >> Trial has been postponed pending a federal judge’s ruling on whether the FBI improperly entered Las Vegas Strip hotel suites without a warrant before arresting and accusing a Malaysian businessman and his son of illegal Internet gambling.
Court records show a Jan. 12 trial date was vacated Monday for Wei Seng “Paul” Phua and his son, Darren Wai Kit Phua. No new date was immediately set.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen said Dec. 18 she’ll rule soon on whether undercover state and federal agents violated the Phuas’ rights.
Agents disconnected Internet service and then posed as repairmen to get inside several Caesars Palace villas.
Defense attorneys want evidence against the Phuas thrown out.
Prosecutors say the Phuas handled illegal bets on FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games last summer.
