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Maryland Man Guilty In Horse-Race Betting Scam

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

TAMPA - A Maryland man pleaded guilty today to helping bilk a number of Central Florida residents out of millions of dollars in an elaborate horse-race betting scam.

Gordon Robert Grant, 64, of Annapolis, Md., pleaded guilty to one count of mail and wire fraud in front of U.S. Magistrate Thomas Wilson.

Grant admitted to creating a Nevada corporation that was used in the scheme and opening a bank account through which the marks' money flowed.

Prosecutors said in the plea agreement that beginning in the late 1990s, Grant and others sent out brochures said to be from "Roger Bronstein," a purported computer specialist, claiming he had discovered a way to earn great sums of cash by wagering on horse races.

Investors were asked to put in $45,000, $90,000 or $135,000.

People were targeted in Central Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio and other states.

Court documents state that investors were flown to the Caribbean island of St. Martin to meet Bronstein at his "private villa." Once there, they were met by a man who identified himself as Bronstein's son, Baron.

Once investors realized the program wasn't working, the Bronsteins offered them another program where the Bronsteins would manage the bets with higher returns. Investors then were asked for more cash.

Court papers state that false monthly winnings statements were sent to investors.

Investors then were asked whether they would like to participate in yet another program that would bet on the Melbourne Cup horse race in Australia. After that race, all the people associated with the scheme vanished with the cash.

The Bronsteins and others remain fugitives.

Grant, who only was involved in the initial program, agreed to forfeit the $65,000 he claims he made off the scheme. He also agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

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