Las Vegas gambler Billy Walters and football star’s Brian Urlacher brother, Casey Urlacher, were among a series of pardons and commutations announced by President Trump during his last day at the office.
Billy Walters’ Sentence Commuted
Convicted of insider trading in 2017, Las Vegas gambler Billy Walters saw the remaining years of his sentence commuted, having served two-and-a-half years in prison and from March 2020 serving the remainder at his home in California due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Walters, whose commutation had the support from a number of Nevada former politicians, including former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, former Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons, former Nevada Rep. Shelley Berkley, and former Clark County Sheriff William Young, as well as former New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik and a number of professional golfers, released a statement through a public relations firm, expressing his gratitude towards President Trump.
“I am thankful to the President and extremely grateful for the longstanding support of friends and family, especially my wife, Susan.”
Official Statement, Billy Walters
Prior to his conviction, Billy Walters was a prominent gambler famous for his big wagers in Las Vegas, as well as his participation in the gambling syndicate The Computer Group which was busted by the FBI, yet no member of the group was charged with a crime.
Walters was also known for his charitable actions giving millions to nonprofit organizations in Southern Nevada, among which Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas nonprofit for people with intellectual disabilities. He was named Las Vegas’ Philanthropist of the Year in 1997.
Billy Walters, who was sentenced for an insider trading case related to Dean Foods Co, paid $44 million in fines, forfeitures and restitution according to the White House.
Casey Urlacher Pardoned
Casey Urlacher, 41-year-old brother of famous Chicago Bears player Brian Urlacher, and mayor of the suburb of Mettawa in Chicago, was pardoned by President Trump for the federal charges related to his participation as a recruiter for a multi-million dollar illegal gambling ring.
Casey Urlacher, who also played football, at Lake Forest College and in the Arena Football League but with limited success, and then became the mayor of the small village in 2013, was charged in February 2020, but pleaded not guilty.
“Throughout his life, Mr. Urlacher has been committed to public service and has consistently given back to his community. Currently, Mr. Urlacher serves as the unpaid Mayor of Mettawa, Illinois. He is a devoted husband to his wife and a loving father to his 17-month old daughter.”
Official Statement, The White House
Casey’s brother is famous for being a supporter of President Trump, as well as a contributor to his campaign. Brian Urlacher visited the White House and gifted President Trump with a Chicago Bears jersey with the number he used to play with, 54, shortly after his brother pleaded not guilty.