Laurence Escalante: Philanthropic billionaire’s drug bust after Las Vegas bender
A billionaire caught with drugs after flying into Australia on a private jet explained the oversight as “remnants” of a three-day Las Vegas party.
Perth gaming billionaire Laurence Escalante has been handed a good behaviour bond following a “highly unusual” drug bust.
Escalante, worth an estimated $3.4bn, was caught with a small quantity of party drugs after flying into Melbourne’s Jet Base airport in his private jet on May 3.
He returned before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a charge of unlawful possession of border-controlled drugs.
The court was told the 41-year-old was returning home from a five-week business trip to the US that culminated in a three-day bender in Las Vegas.
“I’ve just come from, um a five-week-long trip, mostly work but ending three days in Vegas partying with literally 20 friends,” he told Australian Border Force officers.
“I didn’t even know that was in my bag or that I had it … that should have otherwise been disposed of before I even boarded.
“But, you know, three days … drunk a lot in Vegas, chucked it all in.”
Officers found 1.1g of cocaine, one ecstasy tablet, and seven “tickets” of LSD in his possessions, stashed in a plastic bottle and jeans pockets.
Escalante, who made his fortune as founder and chief executive of Virtual Gaming Worlds, told officers he “didn’t even know he had it”.
“The rest of the stuff is residue slash remnants from the – ah, my jeans,” he said.
Sentencing Escalante, magistrate Donna Bakos accepted his explanation.
“This was clearly remnants of a three-day party as you explained,” she said.
“While the offence is a serious one, I accept it is characterised as a very low level one.”
Ms Bakos told the court that she was persuaded to give Escalante a six-month good behaviour bond because of his lack of prior criminal convictions, his remorse and philanthropic efforts.
“I have received many testimonials consistent with a person of good character,” she said.
“By all accounts you are hardworking, generous, kind, family-orientated and philanthropic.”
He was placed on a good behaviour bond, with a conditional sum of $1000.
If he doesn’t commit any further offences over that period, the $1000 sum will be discharged.
Escalante is now Australia’s 28th richest person after his business grew to be the sixth largest by revenue, according to The Australian.
He employed 14,000 people across Australia, the US, Canada, the Philippines and Malta, the court was told.
Ms Bakos was handed nine character references written for Escalante that described the father of four as a “respected businessman” with good standing in the community.
She said the references were “glowing accounts of an exemplary person who lives his life with purpose and commitment”.
Escalante founded his company in 2010. It specialises in the “creation of cutting-edge online social games”, including Chumba Casino, Global Poker and LuckyLand Slots.
After appearing in court last week, he issued a statement to The West Australian, saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
“This is not the behaviour I condone nor aspire to and I take full responsibility for this mistake and lapse in judgment,” he said.
“Thank you to my family and team for their support.”
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