An unexpected name to surface in the DOJ’s amended claim against Full Tilt Poker yesterday, FTP shareholder Rafe Furst has released an open letter addressing the situation via his personal investment blog.

Specifically, Furst says due to the seriousness of the allegations he’s not allowed to comment on the pending DOJ case.

He does however say he feels he has “nothing to hide” and that “it sucks to have to endure the character assassination and potshots” being taken at him.

The full letter can be found below or at emergentfool.com.

Rafe Furst Open Letter re. Full Tilt Poker

“By now you’ve no doubt heard about the allegations against me in a Federal civil suit regarding Full Tilt Poker.

“Because of the seriousness of the allegations I’m not able to comment at all about the pending case, much as I would like to.

“From a moral, personal and interpersonal perspective I feel I’ve got nothing to hide. And since I trust in our system of justice and have the utmost respect for my legal counsel, I will refrain from talking about the case until it’s resolved.

“What I would like to express here is concern for my family, friends, colleagues and supporters who believe in me and who feel my pain as if it were their own.

“It sucks to have to endure the character assassination and potshots being taken at me in the media and social networks without being able to defend myself.

“Privately though I have received incredible support from many of you, and I can’t tell you how much it means to me. May you never have to endure something like this, but if you do, I hope you have friends as good as mine.

“To the skeptics, please consider that not everything you read is true, and our society is built on a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

“It’s difficult to take back hurtful things that you might later regret, when the damage has already been done.

“To those of you who have asked what you can do to show your support, I am grateful for the offer.

“My only request at this time would be to not let the naysayers and haters be the only voices out there expressing their opinion of me.

“My twitter is @rafefurst, and I’d love to hear from you publicly.

“With Respect and Love,

Rafe”

According to the amended claim, Furst was one of the Board of Directors of Full Tilt Poker and was part of the disbursement of $444 million in payments to owners that were at least partially paid out with player deposits.

Furst himself was reported to have received $11.7 million in shareholder payments between April 2007 and April 2011.

See our news story for more on yesterday’s amendend claim against Full Tilt Poker and its owners.