- Former Supreme Court Attorney Tom Goldstein has been detained after allegedly violating pretrial release conditions in his tax evasion case
- Prosecutors claim he concealed cryptocurrency transactions totaling over $8 million, suggesting a potential flight risk
- Goldstein faces 22 federal charges, including tax evasion and making false statements to mortgage lenders
Prominent attorney and SCOTUSblog co-founder Tom Goldstein has been ordered into federal custody following allegations that he breached the terms of his pretrial release in a tax-related case. Prosecutors assert that Goldstein concealed significant cryptocurrency transactions, leading the court to deem him a flight risk. This development adds complexity to the 22-count indictment Goldstein faces, encompassing charges of tax evasion and false statements to mortgage lenders.
Goldstein Faces 22 Charges
Goldstein was indicted on 22 federal charges last month, including tax evasion, assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, and making false statements to mortgage lenders. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2023, Goldstein, a high-stakes poker player as well as a Supreme Court attorney, failed to report substantial gambling winnings and used his law firm’s funds to settle personal debts. Additionally, he is accused of submitting false mortgage applications, omitting over $14 million in liabilities to secure a $1.98 million loan.
Goldstein was allowed out on bail, but on February 10, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan ruled that Goldstein violated his pretrial release conditions by failing to disclose two cryptocurrency wallets. Prosecutors allege that within a recent five-day span, Goldstein received over $8 million and transferred more than $6 million through these undisclosed accounts, arguing that such actions indicate he might be “preparing to offshore his assets and flee.”
Judge Concurred Over Flight Risk
Goldstein tried to distance himself from the transactions, claiming the accounts were not his and he “didn’t engage in these transfers.” However, Judge Sullivan didn’t buy this and agreed with the concerns raised by prosecutors, stating, “There are no conditions and/or combination of conditions that can be established to reasonably assure compliance given the seriousness of the violations.” Consequently, Goldstein was ordered to remain in federal custody pending trial.
Goldstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys have expressed disappointment with the government’s actions, stating, “We are deeply disappointed that the government brought these charges in a rush to judgment without understanding all of the important facts.” They have indicated plans to vigorously contest the allegations and anticipate Goldstein’s exoneration at trial.
