Ex-Bank Head Pleads Innocent in Fraud Case
A former president of Far Western Bank in Tustin and an alleged associate of a Los Angeles organized crime family pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court to charges that they fraudulently obtained credit lines for gambling at Las Vegas casinos.
Roger McGinnis, 52, of Orange and Morton Goodman, 53, of the West Hills area of Los Angeles are charged in an 18-count indictment with wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with the alleged 1984 scheme. Prosecutors claim that McGinnis, while president of Far Western, provided the casinos with false information so that Goodman and others could obtain loans.
McGinnis is free on his own recognizance and Goodman was released on $150,000 bond. Trial is scheduled for Oct. 31 before U.S. District Court Judge Stephen V. Wilson.
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