by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - A defendant charged in an illegal gambling and money laundering scheme has filed a motion to suppress statements he made to federal authorities. William Perez alleges he was interrogated by FBI agents on several occasions and was neither given his Miranda Rights, nor was he able to have an attorney present during questioning.

According to the suppression motion, Perez was interrogated about illegal gambling activities at MGM Spa during a raid back in December 2010. Perez alleges he was asked to wear a wire to record his co-defendants and when he said he would need to speak to his attorney, the FBI agent allegedly threatened him with spending the rest of his life in jail for a money laundering charge. Perez didn't believe the statements he made to authorities would be used against him.

Perez, Jimmy Hsieh, Wai Kam Ho, Jennie Pau and Pauline Perez are accused of using the non-profit organization, the Overseas Chinese Association, as a front to funnel proceeds from illegal gambling that was conducted at the MGM Spa for several years.