A dealer at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh has been accused of cheating while playing blackjack. Jamie L. Smith, 33, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is facing charges for improperly dealing cards and causing the casino to lose $21,869. Smith’s actions were caught on casino surveillance video over 31 hours and witnessed by agents. She has been charged with theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy, and knowingly manipulating a game of chance.
In a separate incident, a person died after a shooting in a parking lot at a West Memphis, Arkansas casino. The victim was pronounced dead at Baptist Crittenden Hospital, and police are still searching for the shooter. Casino security guards are cooperating with local police to provide surveillance video and other evidence to help identify the suspect.
Five suspects appeared in court in New York after authorities broke up an illegal online gambling operation. The operation, allegedly run by Anthony Frascone and Anthony Pellegrino, resulted in charges of promoting gambling, criminal usury, and conspiracy. Other defendants include Philip Carucci, Frank LoNigro, and Joseph Pietaro, each facing various counts related to promoting gambling and conspiracy. These suspects pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to appear in court in December.
The illegal online sportsbook operation led by Frascone and Pellegrino involved significant debt owed by bettors, with one individual owing more than $150,000. The investigation into the operation began in July 2023 and resulted in multiple charges against the defendants. If convicted, they face between five and 15 years in prison. The case is being handled by the office of Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, who emphasized the seriousness of the charges.
