PA Racing

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Most have been reading an utterly agenda-filled version of events (paid for by backers of Federal intervention)..

Here's a summary of Jury Verdict in Rojas Case by attorneys:

On Friday, June 30, 2017, the jury in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania entered its finding in the pending criminal case against horse trainer Murray Rojas.

The jury found that Ms. Rojas was not guilty of the core and heart of the government’s case, the six (6) counts of wire fraud and the one (1) count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud that were brought against her. The attorney for Ms. Rojas considers this decision a resounding victory for not only Rojas but also for all horsemen.

However, the jury did find Ms. Rojas guilty on the charges of misbranding animal drugs and a count of conspiracy to commit misbranding. Ms. Rojas' defense counsel stated that the jury verdict was a strong victory because the most troubling charges involving wire fraud are by statute very broad and all inclusive type charges that have been used successfully in the past. The misbranding charges are very specific and the elements of these charges were not proven during the trial.

The government asserted that Ms. Rojas committed the crime of misbranding (and, conspiracy to misbrand) by instructing licensed veterinarians to “administer” animal drugs to race horses (owned or trained by Rojas) on race day. The attorneys for Ms. Rojas state that this does not constitute the crime of misbranding (or conspiracy to commit same) because both the relevant statute relied upon, to wit, 21 U.S.C. 353(f)(1)(C), and the extant case law, applies only to pharmacists or others who sell or “dispense” drugs to others, as does not apply to veterinarians or trainers who administer drugs to their horses. Thus, the use of this statute was improper overreaching by the government.

Not only did the government fail to prove that Ms. Rojas personally dispensed any animal drugs, but it affirmatively introduced evidence that the licensed co-conspirator veterinarians (who were under extreme pressure to testify in a most favorable way for the government under plea deals) did not “dispense” any drugs in this case either. Never in the history of criminal law has the crime of misbranding been used to convict anyone under these circumstances because these circumstances do not fit within the elements necessary to establish such crime.

It appears to the defense that the government went to unprecedented and extraordinary lengths to invent a violation in order to prosecute this trainer. The defense for Ms. Rojas is convinced that Ms. Rojas will be vindicated upon appeal of this matter which they intend to file in the coming days.

Wire fraud, what bettors and fans of the game truly care about.. Thank you for posting the defendants lawyers statement that they expect to win on appeal, I was wondering he they were just going to accept the punishment for the 14 counts he was found guilty on. or continue due process. Good Luck Ms Rojas we are all rooting for you!

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by freddymo

Wire fraud, what bettors and fans of the game truly care about..

The wire fraud was the sole purpose the case was pursued, in an attempt to establish a way to force the industry to accept Federal intervention. I understand that concept is difficult to grasp.

It was not only an overreach, but a perversion, coercing veterinarians without resources to testify and using a fully unreliable witness in Beattie. The taxpayers got bilked out of god knows how many hundreds of thousands to gain a handful of misdemeanors that will be overturned.

But the propagandists got what they wanted, allegations that everyone to ever send a horse out is a cheat.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

The wire fraud was the sole purpose the case was pursued, in an attempt to establish a way to force the industry to accept Federal intervention. I understand that concept is difficult to grasp.

It was not only an overreach, but a perversion, coercing veterinarians without resources to testify and using a fully unreliable witness in Beattie. The taxpayers got bilked out of god knows how many hundreds of thousands to gain a handful of misdemeanors that will be overturned.

But the propagandists got what they wanted, allegations that everyone to ever send a horse out is a cheat.

On to more meaningful discuss. How about that Gargan claim of Divine Miss Grey? Some folks just have an eye for talent even at the 16k level

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

The wire fraud was the sole purpose the case was pursued, in an attempt to establish a way to force the industry to accept Federal intervention. I understand that concept is difficult to grasp.

It was not only an overreach, but a perversion, coercing veterinarians without resources to testify and using a fully unreliable witness in Beattie. The taxpayers got bilked out of god knows how many hundreds of thousands to gain a handful of misdemeanors that will be overturned.

But the propagandists got what they wanted, allegations that everyone to ever send a horse out is a cheat.

FTFY:

The GAMBLERS got bilked out of god knows how many hundreds of thousands.. Unless you think Ms Rojas was completely devoid of any wrong doing

[freddymo]

Great news both the Defendants attorney and the Federal Prosecutor are thrilled with the verdict.. Another story book ending :
https://twitter.com/raypaulick/statu...91169895661568

[jnunan4759]

Hmmm.. Interesting stuff. Looked like was a closed case from news going into trial. Dissapointed no news people covered case in PA or anywhere else. Might have gotten a better picture of entire case and witnesses, etc.

I thought it was odd for Paulick to go to Harrisburg, PA for just 2 days. Certainly not his MO to go into the hinterlands chasing a hot scoop.

[freddymo]

PA Horse Racing Commission revoked licenses of Murray Rojas. Penn National permanently ejected Murray & Eduardo Rojas & Stephanie Beattie

[jnunan4759]

All well and good, but this stuff was happening years ago and was continuing into 2017. Does anyone believe that these people can win over 20% of their races ? At this track ? They have lower stock. Chad, Todd and Bob win over 20%, but they have millions in stock.

I live in PA and haven't bet a dime on their races for years. Takeout meant to destroy the industry and legislation and enforcement meant to further the appearance of a bunch of crooks. All to aid the removal of breeder funds and end the "subsidy" of racing and breeding in PA. The new gambling proposals all are in line. Uncoupling is right around the corner, most likely blamed on high costs, rampant corruption and lack of return on PA money spent.

Death spiral. Was put in place years ago. Political corruption is rampant. Actually 4 of the biggest lobbyists in PA are state reps and senators who did prison time for crimes in office. Apparently they make more money now, and it's all 100% legal. Some them work for Parx and PNG.

Sorry, no hope here. Unfortunately, it's like someone having an old pet. They'd like to get rid of it but not look bad doing it.

That is the future of PA Racing. Sad.

[taxicab]

Originally Posted by freddymo

PA Horse Racing Commission revoked licenses of Murray Rojas. Penn National permanently ejected Murray & Eduardo Rojas & Stephanie Beattie

Yup,they had to go.
Three less cheaters to deal with.