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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, February 7, 2008 Mill Creek bar owner to fight gambling charge By Jackson Holtz Herald Writer EVERETT -- The owner of a Mill Creek bar accused of operating an illegal poker game said Wednesday he plans to fight the charge against him. Stephen Anton Dorn, 32, said he plans to plead not guilty to a felony charge of conducting gambling activity without a license. Dorn made his first appearance in Snohomish County District Court's Everett Division on Wednesday. Prosecutors have until Feb. 22 to bring the charges against him in Superior Court. During the past two years, Washington State Gambling Commission agents conducted an undercover investigation of Dorn, according to court documents. On several occasions, agents watched Dorn dealing a Texas hold 'em poker game even though he allegedly had no license to play card games at his business. Dorn admits playing the game, but said the felony charge doesn't fit the crime. He said he was just playing a friendly, casual card game. "I had no idea that playing cards with my friends could ever get me in trouble," Dorn has said. Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Chris Dickinson said he has offered to reduce Dorn's felony charge to a gross misdemeanor if Dorn pleads guilty, pays a fine and agrees to stay under court supervision for two years. If Dorn refuses, Dickinson said he intends to pursue a felony prosecution in Snohomish County Superior Court. "Even a gross misdemeanor is kind of harsh," Dorn said. Dorn said he's never been in trouble before and the gambling commission escalated the situation too quickly, he said. Almost two years ago, an agent warned Dorn in a phone call that playing poker without a license was illegal and, if he continued to play at his business, he could face arrest and felony charges, court documents said. In November, agents again watched as Dorn dealt a poker game at his restaurant, the Jet Bar & Grill on 164th Street SE in Mill Creek. In early December, Dorn was arrested. Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.

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