More news on the case of Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow this week: Defense attorney Dennis Riordan revealed in a court filing on Wednesday that the Feds lavished Chow and others, spending over $1 million at fancy restaurants and hotels, reports the Chron.
Furthermore, Riordan, who represents defendant Leslie Yun of Oakland who is being charged with racketeering, money laundering, and drug dealing also claims that Chow had money “thrust” upon him, despite his supposed objection, after the lead agent in the investigation “had spent the taxpayers’ money getting Chow extremely intoxicated.” These purported payments were also on behalf of the agent’s respect for Chow, and not for the purposes of paying for Chow to commit crimes.
Where was Chow taken, exactly? The list includes, but is certainly not limited to — according to Riordan:
- The Fairmont
- Four Seasons
- The Ritz Carlton
- Morton’s Steakhouse
- 5A5 Steakhouse
- Ozumo
- Starlight Room
- Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas
There also appears to have been “sexual favors” sought “for his participation in the (illegal) cigarette deals — a ‘massage with a happy ending.’” Though the filing apparently did not expound on that.
Of course, while these alleged expenditures certainly don’t clear Chow’s name by any stretch, Riordan does think that this could help further build a case for entrapment. Because aren't we all more likely to say yes with a nice piece of steak in our belly?
