OFF THE WIRE
The Associated Press
Fla. man charged in Pagan's case cuts deal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Prosecutors have cut a plea deal with a Florida man charged in a sweeping federal indictment targeting 55 members and associates of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club.
The Charleston Gazette reports that court records show 44-year-old Martin Nuss pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor state gambling charge. In exchange, federal prosecutors have asked U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston to dismiss a federal felony.
Nuss, as president of the outlaw motorcycle club's Orlando, Fla., chapter, had pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Nick Preservati, his lawyer, says government informant James "Pagan Ronnie" Howerton cleared his client. Howerton sent Preservati an e-mail saying that he'd told Nuss the raffle at the heart of the gambling charge was legal.
Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.blogger.com/goog_363158340
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/19/1980807/fla-man-charged-in-pagans-case.html#ixzz18gR2axHA
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/19/1980807/fla-man-charged-in-pagans-case.html#ixzz18gQjOgEh
