Tuesday, April 21, 2009 | 12:53 p.m.
A prosecutor says he'll ask a grand jury to indict a prominent Nebraska philanthropist on felony theft and bad check charges for failing to repay $14.75 million in gambling debts to two Las Vegas casinos.
A lawyer for Terrance "Terry" Watanabe told a judge Tuesday he wants to present evidence showing that the 52-year-old former Omaha businessman doesn't owe the money.
Watanabe wasn't required to appear in court Tuesday. He's free on $1.5 million bail pending resolution of charges that could get him probation or up to 16 years in prison.
Defense lawyer Richard Schonfeld wouldn't say what evidence he intends to present. Deputy District Attorney Bernie Zadrowski says he'll seek an indictment this week.
Sun Archives
- High roller posts $1.5 million bail to avoid jail stay (2-18-2009)
- Philanthropist allegedly owes $14.7 million to Rio, Caesars (2-4-2009)
- Feds press probe of ex-Fry’s executive (2-2-2009)
- Casino profile details luxurious lifestyle of former Fry’s executive (1-14-2009)
- Feds looking into high roller’s debt payments (12-31-2008)
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