LAS VEGAS (AP) — A federal judge in Nevada says undercover investigators were wrong to shut off Internet service and pose as repairmen to enter hotel rooms in a gambling probe.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Leen in Las Vegas called for evidence to be thrown out in the case involving wealthy Malaysian businessman Wei Seng "Paul" Phua and his son, Darren Wai Kit Phua.
The 32-page recommendation, posted Monday, says evidence collected by the FBI and Nevada Gaming Control Board in the case is tainted and shouldn't be used.
Leen is hearing pretrial issues in the case. A U.S. District Court judge would make a final ruling on the evidence and preside if there is a trial.
There was no immediate reaction from federal prosecutors.
Defense attorneys say the Phuas aren't guilty, and that without evidence, illegal gambling charges should be dismissed.
The judge previously acknowledged the likelihood that her decision would be appealed.
