Wearing an all black suit, Harvey Souza sat in the back of a federal courtroom listening to what the next step is in a trial prosecutors say is the biggest gambling prosecution in San Diego County history.
Federal Judge Marilyn L. Huff on Monday ordered Souza, 73, and others in the case back to court June 20 for a discovery hearing.
Souza is also scheduled to make an Oct. 17 appearance for a motion hearing.
On Dec. 9, 2015, Souza, the owner of Seven Mile Casino on Bay Boulevard, became one of 25 defendants named in a seven-count, 18 page indictment. He faces one count of failing to maintain an anti-money-laundering program at his establishment.
According to the unsealed indictment, Seven Mile Casino “knowingly and willfully” failed to implement policies, procedures and internal controls of maintaining an anti-money-laundering program reasonably designed to comply with federal regulations.
Federal agents and other law enforcement agencies raided the bayfront casino last December with Chula Police officers barring the entrance to would-be patrons.
Attorney Michael Pancer, who represents Souza, said despite the charge his client is an honest businessman.
“Harvey is a well respected license holder and card room holder for 47 years in Chula Vista,” Pancer said outside court.
“He has been active in the community till this day. And there has never been a question in the manner he has operated either the Village Club Card Room or the Seven Mile Casino.
Pancer also said Souza is the last defendant named in a lengthy indictment and only faces one count compared to others.
Attorneys for other defendants tried to get wiretap evidence thrown out of court.
Pancer said that did not apply to Souza because he was not involved in wiretapping.
The lead defendant in the case, David “Fat Dave” Stroj, allegedly operated an illegal bookmaking business that extended throughout North America including San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and other cities.
On the same day agents raided the casino, the California Bureau of Gaming Control issued an emergency closure of Seven Mile Casino. The casino was shut down for three weeks before the bureau, under strict guidelines, allowed the casino to reopen.
