A former poker dealer at JACK Cleveland Casino, J.S., is facing multiple charges for allegedly stealing from the casino’s poker room.

Indicted on 14 Counts, a Felony, and a Misdemeanor

The 51-year-old from North Olmsted has been indicted on 14 counts of violating casino gaming laws, a fifth-degree felony, as well as a misdemeanor theft charge on October 28.

Recently, he appeared in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, where he was given a personal bond of $2,500 which he has paid.

The accusations began on September 6, when a patron informed a casino manager that J.S. had been taking chips from the pot during gameplay.

After the complaint, the casino reviewed surveillance footage which revealed five incidents of theft. This information was confirmed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the state agency overseeing gambling activities.

As a result, the casino terminated J.S. the following day. The indictment alleges that the man committed 14 separate thefts within a month.

The misdemeanor charge indicates that J.S. stole under $1,000.

12 Out of 24 Cheating Incidents at the Same Venue

This incident marks the second recent theft case at JACK Cleveland Casino.

Another individual, E.Q. from Tennessee, who had a history of cheating, was accused of manipulating a craps game at the venue on July 31.

E.Q. was formally indicted just last month.

In its recent annual report, the Ohio Casino Control Commission found 24 cheating incidents across Ohio’s casinos from July 2023 to June 2024, with JACK Cleveland Casino accounting for half of these cases.

Individuals convicted of theft in Ohio’s casinos face severe repercussions, including a permanent ban from all gambling establishments within the state.

Currently, six former casino employees are listed for theft, highlighting the casino’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards such activities.

A pretrial status conference for J.S. is scheduled for 9 a.m. on December 3 in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.