According to reports in the Des Moines Register, a 19-year-old student from the University of Iowa is facing charges relating to illegal Texas Hold'em games. Local police have charged the student with four gambling offenses. Jonathon Koch's Iowa City house has allegedly been running illegal gambling operations from poker tables at his residence. Koch himself played the role of banker in the games, police sources claim.

Koch's charges were brought after an undercover office joined in a game of poker at Koch's residence.  A full search of the premises was conducted last week. Among the charges Koch faces are two counts of illegal gambling and two counts of running an illegal gambling establishment. The first two charges are classified as class D felonies which may result in up to $7,500 in fines and a maximum five year prison term. The final two charges may earn Koch a fine of $1,500 and a one year stint in jail. In total, the charges carry up to $38,000 in fines and 24 year jail term.

The student is also facing drug charges after police found one pound of marijuana and distribution equipment in Koch's residence. Koch is listed by the courts as unemployed but is the owner of a $25,000 worth of jewelery and a BMW.

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