BORDERLAND

Casino patron guilty of cheating attempt

9/5/2014
BLADE STAFF

One of the first patrons of the Hollywood Casino Toledo to be charged with cheating two years ago appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of attempted casino cheat.

Sarhad Matti, 37, of Warren, Mich., was then placed on community control for a year by Judge Ruth Ann Franks. She also ordered him to pay a $150 fine and to stay out of Ohio casinos.

Mr. Matti admitted he was playing blackjack at the Toledo casino June 18, 2012, when he placed a $15 bet then tried to take his chips back after he saw his cards. His attorney, Jeffrey Goldstein, said Mr. Matti had signed an agreement not to return to the casino and did not realize he had to come to court. A warrant had been issued for his arrest when he failed to appear in August, 2012.