Sarasota Man Linked to Illegal Sports Gambling Operation

A Sarasota man is under arrest after authorities say he was part of an illegal sports bookmaking business that took in more than $1 billion in illegal bets.

In all, 34 people and 23 entities were indicted as part of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Oklahoma, officials said Wednesday.

According to an indictment filed in district court last month, a 42-year-old Texas man named Bartice Alan King, aka “Luke” and “Cool,” conspired with others to run a phone and Internet gambling service, first from San Jose, Costa Rica, and then from Panama City, Panama.

The operation, known since 2003 as Legendz Sports, took wagers almost exclusively from American gamblers placing bets on sports. Legendz allegedly used bookies in the United States to take the bets and settle gambling debts and set up shell corporations and offshore accounts to transfer money.

Christopher Lee Tanner, 56, of Sarasota — aka "CT," "Limo," "Tan," and "Magic" — is among the 34 people alleged to have been employees and associates of Legendz Sports.

The indictment states that in January 2009, Tanner discussed Legendz Sports with an individual, providing a website, a log in and a phone number.

Tanner also bought a $1.65 million Sarasota condo in May of 2008 in the name of his wife and father in law using approximately $400,000 in gold coins as partial payment, according to the indictment.

The indictment seeks to forfeit at least $1 billion in assets that include real estate, bank accounts, domain names, a Sabreliner aircraft and other vehicles. Among the property listed is a condo unit at Beau Ciel on Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for racketeering, up to 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit money laundering, up to 10 years in prison for money laundering, and up to five years in prison for operating an illegal gambling business.

"These defendants allegedly participated in an illegal sports gambling business, lining their pockets with profits from over a billion dollars in illegal gambling proceeds," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman in a media release.

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