Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Hawaii
PJKK Federal Building (808) 541-2850
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 6-100 FAX (808) 541-2958
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elliot Enoki
February 9, 2009
HONOLULU MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR HIS ROLE
IN OPERATING AN ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATION
HONOLULU, HAWAII – YONG SANG KIM, age 38, was sentenced today by Chief District Judge Helen Gillmor to 36 months in prison for his role in operating an illegal gambling business on Oahu. KIM, a Honolulu resident, agreed to forfeit all rights and interest in the real property located at 808 Sheridan street, 1308 Rycroft Street and 1320 Rycroft Street, in Honolulu, Hawaii; a 2004 Land Rover; and $789,674 in seized U. S. Currency, a sum of money equal to $3,040,000.
Ed Kubo, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said according to the October 2008 Plea Agreement, KIM pled guilty to one count each of Conspiracy to Operate an Illegal Gambling Business, Operating an Illegal Gambling Business, and Conspiracy to Conduct and Attempt to Conduct a Financial Transaction Affecting Interstate and Foreign Commerce, commonly referred to as money laundering.
According to the Plea Agreement, between 2003 and July 7, 2005, KIM, and the other co-defendants charged in the Indictment, conducted an illegal gambling business known as “Sheridan Billiards,” which operated in a two-story commercial building located at 1320 Rycroft Street in Honolulu. Sheridan Billiards, which operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accepted wagers on casino-like card games such as Baccarat and Blackjack, and included electronic video gambling machines. The gross revenue for Sheridan Billiards on any given day exceeded $2,000. During the aforementioned time frame, KIM received illegal gambling proceeds in excess of $3 Million.
A total of 10 people have been convicted of various federal crimes as a result of this investigation, which was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Honolulu Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Brady.
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