LAS VEGAS – Former NBA all-star Antoine Walker has agreed to pay more than US$900,000 to settle bad cheque charges with three Las Vegas casinos and avoid trial on felony criminal charges, a defence lawyer and prosecutor said Monday.
Walker wasn’t in court Monday when his lawyer, Jonathan Powell, described a plan for his client to pay a minimum of almost $13,000 a month over five years to settle a complaint stemming from casino debts at Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood and the Red Rock Resort.
Powell described his 33-year-old client as unemployed, but said he hopes to sign with a team in the U.S. or Europe. If he does, Walker promises to increase payments to almost $21,400 per month and finish the repayment plan within three years.
"This matter’s been negotiated," Powell told the judge.
Restitution and penalties would total $905,050, including the forfeiture of $135,000 cash bail posted following Walker’s arrest in July at a Lake Tahoe hotel.
"This is a win for the defendant, he avoids a felony conviction, and it’s a win for the community because the victim gets paid the restitution," prosecutor Bernie Zadrowski said outside court.
(The Associated Press)
