Former Supreme Court Lawyer Admits Mistakes but Denies Tax Crimes

Thomas Goldstein faces criminal charges for allegedly failing to report millions in poker winnings

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Former U.S. Supreme Court lawyer Thomas Goldstein testified in his federal tax evasion trial, admitting to making mistakes in his tax returns and law firm finances, but denying that he intentionally violated any laws. Prosecutors have accused Goldstein of failing to report millions of dollars he won from high-stakes poker games, lying on mortgage documents, and making improper payments through his former law firm.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of regulating the complex financial activities of high-profile lawyers and the potential consequences they can face for alleged tax crimes, even after successful legal careers. It also raises questions about the oversight of the legal profession and whether enough is being done to ensure ethical financial practices.

The details

Goldstein, who argued over 40 cases before the Supreme Court before retiring in 2023, was indicted last year on charges of failing to report millions in poker winnings, lying on mortgage documents, and making improper payments through his former law firm Goldstein & Russell. Prosecutors have portrayed Goldstein as a meticulous lawyer who commanded high legal fees but also a liar who deceived his wife and others about the scope of his poker activities. Goldstein has pleaded not guilty, blaming any financial reporting errors on an overreliance on his advisers and accountants.

  • Goldstein testified on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Jury deliberations in the trial could begin next week.

The players

Thomas Goldstein

A former U.S. Supreme Court lawyer who is accused of failing to report millions of dollars he won in high-stakes poker games, lying on mortgage documents, and making improper payments through his former law firm.

Sean Beaty

The prosecutor in the case, who has portrayed Goldstein as a meticulous lawyer who commanded high legal fees but also a liar who deceived his wife and others about the scope of his poker activities.

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What they’re saying

“The mistakes, responsibility for those tax years is mine. I may end up continuing to pay for this for a long time. That's my responsibility. It's just very different from whether I committed a crime.”

— Thomas Goldstein (ksgf.com)

“You still think you're the victim here?”

— Sean Beaty, Prosecutor (ksgf.com)

“No, I do not think I am the victim here, sir.”

— Thomas Goldstein (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Jury deliberations in the trial could begin next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex financial activities of high-profile lawyers and the potential consequences they can face for alleged tax crimes, even after successful legal careers. It raises questions about the oversight of the legal profession and whether enough is being done to ensure ethical financial practices.