Samuel McMaster stole thousands and gambled it

Investor must assess gambling habit
Samuel McMaster stole thousands and gambled it

Reporter: David Romero
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Samuel McMaster, Jr. pled guilty in August for stealing money from elderly investors. He listed his profession as a professional gambler, now the judge wants him to be evaluated for a gambling addiction.

Part of the plea agreement, McMaster was ordered to pay restitution to his victims. To help raise the money, McMaster was allowed to attend poker tournaments out of state.

On Monday, Judge Ross Sanchez changed that, he told McMaster he could not leave the state without permission. Pre-trial services expressed concerns over where McMaster was going on these out of state trips. They also said McMaster has not paid any restitution to the victims.

McMaster, a former insurance agent and stock broker pled guilty to charges of stealing nearly half a million dollars from about thirty elderly people and gambling it away.
McMaster wanted to speak in court today, but the judge and his attorney advised against it.

McMaster is awaiting sentencing and faces up to 12 years in prison. As he left the courtroom, he said he has never been nor will he ever be a professional gambler.

McMaster must have the gambling addiction evaluation done within a week. He's scheduled back before Judge Sanchez in January.