It is rare that a poker or casino cheat case goes to trial, but the case of Richard Taylor, who organized the Connecticut inside dealer cheat scam that victimized Foxwoods' and Mohegan Suns' craps tables, is taking that route. And it seems to me, in conjunction with his high $250,000 bond, that this guy is in some serious deep casino shit. He's probably looking at several years in state prison.
Jury selection is scheduled to start today in the case of the Memphis, Tennessee, man accused by police of masterminding an elaborate cheating scam at casino craps tables. Richard S. “Mr. Casino” Taylor, 43, of Memphis has pleaded not guilty to charges of cheating, conspiracy to commit cheating at gambling, first-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
Police say a group of more than a dozen people, including employees at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, worked with Taylor to cheat the casinos out of thousands of dollars. An investigation by the state police casino unit revealed some dealers were being paid in exchange for allowing late bets at their craps tables.
Dealers admitted to taking part in the scam, some claiming it has been going on for years, according to the arrest affidavit by state police Detective Richard Bedard.
Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Carney, who is prosecuting the case, initially filed a motion to include former Foxwoods dealer Mattie Tarlton of New London in the trial. Police said Tarlton made overpayments totaling nearly $60,000 while dealing. Other dealers have admitted to taking hundreds of dollars in payoffs from Taylor for allowing the late bets.
The motion recently was withdrawn and Tarlton is due in court Monday as part of normal pre-trial proceedings. Cases are pending against several other people, who police said used code names for identification at the casino and held secret meetings where dealers collected their payoffs, police said.
Taylor remains held on a $250,000 bond. He is represented by attorney Ralph Bergman.
Well, I guess "Mr. Casino" will soon be called "Mr. Jailhouse Casino" and he might start up a crooked craps game in the big house!
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