DENVER—A man who ran a high-stakes Denver poker club whose customers included prominent athletes, media personalities, attorneys and doctors has lost his bid to spend less time in prison.
The Colorado Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld Jeffrey Castardi’s 16-year sentence, handed down in December 2009. Castardi argued that the sentencing judge gave too much weight to factors such as the size and complexity of the operation, the suicides of two gambling addicts, and his alleged work for a mob family.
However, the court said it only steps in when judges abuse their discretion.
Castardi pleaded guilty in October 2009 to violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act after he and other associates were indicted on charges involving the Gin Rummy Club.
