Gambling trials are postponed

SANDPOINT — Misdemeanor court trials have been postponed for three local businessmen charged with operating an illegal poker game out of a downtown bar.

Dustin Jacob Koril, Gary Lee Solis Jr., and Lex Andrew Sparks were scheduled to be tried separately on Wednesday, but the proceedings were continued because of a scheduling conflict with their defense counsel, court records show.

Sandpoint Prosecutor Lori Meulenberg did not oppose the continuances.

The three were cited about six months after Sandpoint Police officers discovered the card game at the Spar Bar while doing routine bar checks in December 2009.

Koril, 30, Solis, 29, and Sparks, 37, were charged with violating a state law prohibiting liquor license holders from allowing gambling on the premises. Each suspect is pleading innocent.

None of the dozen or so players who were participating in game were cited. Koril told police he was unaware the poker game was illegal and that some of the proceeds from the event were being donated to charity, according to police reports.

New trial dates are pending.