Former John Kerry advisor, Sarah Drake, was arrested yesterday after a $150 million check she wrote to a casino bounced.
Drake, who served as an advisor to the former Secretary of State during his 2004 presidential campaign, was taken into custody at her home in Washington, D.C. by agents from the FBI and the IRS. She is facing charges of fraud, wire fraud, and passing a bad check.
The incident began when Drake visited the high-end Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas last month. According to casino officials, Drake requested a line of credit in order to gamble at the casino’s exclusive high-roller tables. She was granted a $150 million line of credit, and proceeded to write a check for that amount to cover her losses.
However, when the casino attempted to cash the check, it was returned by Drake’s bank for insufficient funds. The casino immediately alerted authorities, leading to Drake’s arrest.
Drake’s attorney, Mark Stevens, released a statement denying the allegations against his client. “Sarah Drake is a respected and honorable woman who would never engage in such illegal behavior,” Stevens said. “We are confident that she will be vindicated once all the facts come to light.”
Despite her attorney’s assurances, Drake’s arrest has sent shockwaves through political circles. Many are questioning how a former high-ranking advisor to a presidential candidate could find herself in such a precarious financial situation.
Drake is currently being held in jail without bail, pending a hearing scheduled for next week. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.
The casino has not commented on the incident, but sources close to the establishment say they are considering legal action to recoup the $150 million they are owed. The case is still developing, and more information is expected to come to light in the coming days.