“The mistakes and the responsibility for those tax years lie with me. I may find myself dealing with the repercussions for a long time,” stated Goldstein, who faces allegations of misreporting millions earned from his secondary pursuit as a high-stakes poker player. “This is my accountability. However, it is a distinct matter from whether I committed a crime.”
During the second day of his testimony in a trial in Greenbelt, Goldstein found himself at odds with prosecutor Sean Beaty, who depicted him not only as a meticulous lawyer adept at digging into the details of cases and commanding high fees, but also as someone who deceived his wife and others regarding his poker endeavors.
“Do you still see yourself as the victim in this situation?” Beaty pressed.
“No, I do not view myself as the victim here, sir,” Goldstein countered.
Goldstein has argued over 40 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court before his retirement in 2023. He was indicted last year for allegedly neglecting to report millions acquired from poker games, falsifying mortgage loan documents, and making inappropriate payments via his previous law firm, Goldstein & Russell.
He has entered a plea of not guilty, attributing any inaccuracies in financial reporting to a heavy reliance on his advisers and accountants.
Beaty interrogated Goldstein about his extravagant spending habits, which included a $225,000 Bentley, lavish outings at clubs, and renting luxurious apartments in Miami and other cities. “You indulged in poker, travel, luxury cars, and high-end watches—all while you owed millions to the IRS,” Beaty stated to the jury.
In response, Goldstein admitted that his personal expenditures on properties while facing tax liabilities are “somewhat embarrassing,” but insisted they were not illegal.
“I am not offering excuses,” he clarified. “I should have prioritized differently. However, it isn’t the case that I was always recklessly spending.”
The jury has already heard testimonies from more than a dozen witnesses, including leaders from law firms, IRS officials, and fellow poker players familiar with Goldstein’s high-stakes gambling background.
Deliberations by the jury in this case could commence as early as next week.
Reporting by Mike Scarcella.
