Convicted gambling parlor operator seeks new trial

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 | 9:37 a.m.

FARGO, N.D. -- Susan Bala, who was sentenced to 27 months in prison for running an illegal gambling business, says she has new evidence that should earn her a new trial.

The owner of Racing Services Inc. claims in court records that she has documents showing she never intended to illegally operate here Fargo-based simulcast sports-betting business.

Bala, 51, was convicted by a jury on Feb. 4 of 12 felonies in what authorities said was the largest illegal gambling case in North Dakota history.

She had been ordered to begin serving her prison sentence today, but U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson extended her surrender date to Sept. 30.

Erickson said he wanted to give prosecutors time to respond to Bala's motion for a new trial. They opposed the delay.

"She raises no substantial question of law or fact which is likely to result in an order for new trial," Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Reisenauer said.

Bala said documents found since her conviction show there was no attempt to operate an illegal gambling business.