Rhode Island man charged with allegedly stealing $13K in chips from Encore Casino

EVERETT — A Rhode Island man was arraigned Wednesday on charges of larceny over $1,200 and larceny from a building for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of chips from a table at Encore Boston Harbor Casino after causing a distraction on Tuesday night. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf following his arraignment in Malden District Court.

According to Boston 25 News, Gary Hunt, 35, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, was arrested in a nearby parking lot after Encore Boston Harbor’s Security Control Center and local law enforcement were informed that a patron, later identified as Hunt, stole a large quantity of chips from a table game and fled the scene.

Witnesses reported that Hunt was sitting at the table where he allegedly told other patrons that someone won a large sum of money. When the other patrons became distracted, police say Hunt reached over the table and allegedly stole 13 orange chips valued at $1,000 apiece from the dealer’s tray. Hunt then reportedly ran from the scene but was soon found in a parking lot near the casino after a description of Hunt was broadcast to nearby officers.

According to the Boston 25 News story, Hunt was found to have several $1,000 orange chips. Three additional orange chips were located using security video and authorities say he discarded two chips from his sneaker after leaving the casino. A brief search of the area did not locate any additional items.

At the request of prosecutors, a judge ordered Hunt to stay away from the casino. He is due back in court on September 16.