Ex-Iowa Casino Dealer Fined, Must Make $11K Restitution for Repeated Cheating
According to a recent judgment, a former card dealer at Iowa's Catfish Bend Casino will not go to prison if he successfully serves out his five years of probation for a conspiracy to deceive seven players.
According to The Hawk Eye, an Iowa news source, Trevor McCannon, 22, of Burlington, Iowa, is required to pay a $1,025 fine and return the casino $11,185 for the scheme. In addition, District Eight Judge Shane Wiley's punishment mandates that he pay court expenses.
The defendant may be subject to jail time or more fines if he does not serve out his whole probationary period. In order to make sure he is following the guidelines established by the judge, he will also need to report to the judicial staff on a regular basis.
Eight First Charges
McCannon was first accused of committing three offenses related to second-degree theft, two offenses related to third-degree theft, and three offenses related to fourth-degree theft.
He entered a not guilty plea to each of the several counts at a court hearing.
McCannon then entered a plea agreement on January 8 and admitted guilt to the second-degree theft offense.
The Hawk Eye said that he paid out on losing hands and made mistakes—intentionally, not accidentally—which led to the allegations. The incidents that started in June of last year are what led to the cheating.
Messages on Facebook
After obtaining a warrant, authorities took McCannon's phone and found Facebook communications he had written to a player on the property on June 23.
“U able to spot me 25?” one of the messages stated. “And I will get you back tonight at the casino on the tables,” a second message said.
The athlete responded by posting a thumbs-up emoji.
According to court documents, McCannon then replied, "Thank you, brotha, you're a saint."
The same player made $175 worth of CashApp transactions on June 17, 19, and 23.
A judge granted a warrant for McCannon's arrest on October 4. According to an arrest record from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, he stole $11,185 in total from the casino.
After being employed by the casino in February 2023, McCannon received more than a month of training before starting to work as a card dealer. He worked on table games like Pai Gow, Ultimate Texas Hold Em', Mississippi Stud, Four Card Poker, and Blackjack with free bets.
There’s no word if the seven players reportedly involved in the scheme are under investigation, or if they will be charged.