Tentative Trial Date Set in FBI Ruse Case Concerning Poker Pro

LAS VEGAS — (Associated Press) - A federal magistrate judge in Nevada set a tentative trial date in a closely watched case alleging that casino high-rollers set up an illegal Internet gambling ring in their Las Vegas Strip suite.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys argued procedural matters Friday, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen acknowledged that an April 13 target date may not stand.

The case is headed to a U.S. District Court judge.

Federal prosecutors have until later this month to appeal Leen's ruling that FBI and Nevada Gaming Control agents misled a magistrate who approved a search of the Caesars Palace suite of a Malaysian businessman and his son.

The agents didn't say they had shut off Internet service and posed as technicians to get inside to get probable cause to apply for a warrant.