Molly Bloom, otherwise known as the Poker Princess has been in the news ever since she was arrested for being part of an organization that ran illegal poker parties for Wall Street employees and Hollywood Celebrities.
Bloom was arrested and was facing up to 6 months in prison for being a of a Russian-American mob enterprise. However, much to her relief the judge decided against jail time and gave her just one year of probation. The Poker Princess was visibly relieved at the verdict and immediately hugged family and friends.
Bloom played an important role in setting up these high profile poker games that attracted some of the rich and famous in America. Some of the celebrities that have reportedly participated at these games include Matt Damon, DiCaprio, Yankee Alex Rodriguez and Tobey Maguire.
Jim Walden, the lawyer who represented Bloom made a strong defence and stated that Bloom was ordered to be a part of this illegal gambling racket by her boss who ran a real estate company in Los Angeles. Walden told the judge that Bloom was responsible for hiring cocktail waitresses and address the needs of these celebrities by booking hotel rooms and getting them drinks.
Bloom is reported to have made over $1 million in tips during her tenure organizing illegal poker games. However, her lawyer said that she gave away a lot of this money in tips to her employees who assisted her in making these poker parties a success. Walden asked the judge to take into consideration that Bloom had no savings and was currently in debt, working at $19 an hour job to survive.
Bloom also went on record to tell the judge that she was truly sorry for her actions. She admitted her mistakes and apologized for breaking the law and being an embarrassment, stating that she had learned her lesson.
Judge Jesse Furman decided that Bloom had indeed learned her lesson and jail time would not be required. He ordered her to pay a $1,000 fine, forfeit $125,000 and put in 200 hours of community service. Bloom will also have a 12 month probation period.
Bloom has written a book, documenting her experiences of how she entered the illegal poker racket and her role in running these parties. She has also highlighted her mistakes and her road of trial and pain and also hopes that the book will sell and help her pay off her debt.
