Montel Williams Sued Over Online Poker Venture

CHICAGO (STNG)  -- Talk show host Montel Williams is being sued for alleged crooked dealing in an online poker venture.

According to his Montel Media Group Web site, Williams "in April of 2008 ... with a solid plan and an ingenious business model ... created the International Team Poker League."

The plan hit a snag Tuesday when attorneys for Guardian Gaming Ltd. filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court claiming breach of contract by Williams and the league.

According to the suit, on July 30, 2008, Williams and the ITPL agreed in writing to give Guardian a 25 percent stake in the league in exchange for a $300,000 upfront investment, setting up and operating an Internet gaming site, and additional payments.

But Williams and ITPL found another company to complete the tasks delegated to Guardian on more attractive terms, and broke their contract with Guardian on Sept. 18, 2008, the suit claims.

Guardian has not been refunded its initial investment as of Tuesday, the suit claims.

The five-count suit -- claiming breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, fraud, unjust enrichment and conversion -- seeks reimbursement of Guardian's investment, punitive damages, prejudgment interest and legal fees.

According to the suit, Williams is a resident of Northern Illinois, while ITPL has its headquarters in Mansfield, Texas.