Accused casino cheat gets diversion

10/16/2012

An Indianapolis man, among the first to be charged with cheating at the Hollywood Casino Toledo, will enter the pretrial diversion program.

David Mason, 34, appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Monday. Judge Linda Jennings found that he was eligible for the program, which, if completed successfully, would lead to dismissal of the criminal case.

Mr. Mason was one of 11 people charged August  Aug. 8 with felony crimes associated with cheating while betting. Since then, others have also been charged and await trial.

He was accused of illegally pulling a bet from the blackjack table. If Mr. Mason does not follow the conditions of the program within the next three years, the fifth-degree felony – punishable by up to one year in prison – can be reinstated.