Bitar Sentenced; Duhamel’s Ex-Girlfriend Pleads Guilty; EPT Berlin

Bitar Spared Jail Time

Ray Bitar, one of 11 people indicted in the Black Friday shutdowns by the DOJ, has pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and money laundering with respect to online poker.

The former Full Tilt boss entered a plea last week and made a court appearance via video link, yesterday. Due to an ongoing heart condition, Bitar was allowed to face the judge via satellite and during proceedings he maintained his offer to relinquish $40 million in personal assets.

In addition to accepting his forfeiture, the judge handed Bitar a sentence of “time served”, which means he will avoid further time in prison (he previously served seven days in prison when he was arrested back in July).

During the hearing, Bitar’s lawyers disclosed that his heart condition means that he could die within 6-12 months if he doesn’t receive a transplant. At present he is scheduled to start a heart replacement program on May 6.

Duhamel’s Ex Sentenced to Life

Jonathan Duhamel’s ex-girlfriend, Bianca Rojas-Latraverse, has pleaded guilty to aiding two armed men in a robbery that saw her former partner lose his WSOP bracelet and $160,000.

The incident, which took place in December 2011, left Duhamel battered and needing hospital treatment following a raid on his property.

While Rojas-Latraverse initially claimed she was innocent, subsequent reflection has prompted her to admit her guilt.

Indeed, citing the ongoing pressures of the trial, Rojas-Latraverse’s lawyer, Sarah Desabrais said that her client want to change her plea and focus on “improving herself”.

Following the admission of guilt, the court was able to begin sentencing and, according to reports, it’s likely that she will face life (25 years).

EPT Berlin kicks off Tomorrow

One of the EPT’s most popular stops, EPT Berlin kicks off later this week with a feast of tournament and cash game action on offer.

The festival as a whole kicks off tomorrow with the start of the Berlin Cup and will keep player preoccupied until the Main Event kicks of Sunday.

Running alongside the tournament action will be a host of cash games to suit all bankrolls.

Back in 2010, EPT Berlin was the scene of an armed raid that saw a large chunk of the prizepool stolen. This year the security is expected to be on high alert as players take to the felt inside the Grand Hyatt Hotel.