Newspaper in Iowa Reports That Iowa University Student Ran An Illegal Texas Hold Em Game From His Home

In Iowa, the Des Moines Register has reported that a 19-year-old University of Iowa student has been arrested and charged by local police for four gambling felonies based on allegations that he was the host of an illegal Texas Hold'em poker game that had pots of about $800.

According to the Iowa City Police, Jonathon Koch of Iowa City allegedly used his house for illegal gambling using poker tables that were set up in his garage as well as his basement and on the main floor of his house.

Police are saying that Koch acted as the banker for the poker games.

The charges that have been brought against him include two counts of illegal gambling, which are class D felonies carrying a maximum sentence of 5-years in prison and a $7,500 fine, along with two counts of maintaining a gambling house, which are serious misdemeanors crying a maximum of one year in person and a fine of $1,500 fine.

Along with this and in addition, he is being charged on four separate counts relating to drugs since the police allege that they found a pound of marijuana in his house, as well as $1,640 in cash and paraphernalia for drug distribution.

These are charges stemming from incidents that occurred earlier this week at the time that officers searched Koch's house, as well as from February, when an undercover officer was playing in one of the poker games in his house.

At the moment, Koch is being held on $25,000 bond at the Johnson County Jail. Altogether, the charges against Koch carry a maximum 24-year prison sentence along with $38,000 in fines.

According to court records, Koch is said to be unemployed but the owner of a BMW worth $70,000, in addition to $25,000 worth of jewelry and a motor scooter worth $2,000.

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