Two out-of-town gamblers, Bahri Sahpolat and Serdar Ozmen, were sentenced to two years of probation for cheating at Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield. The men, from California and Maryland respectively, were caught marking playing cards at a Mississippi Stud poker table to improve their winning odds. Their scheme, which netted them over $12,000, was uncovered through surveillance footage. Both men were initially charged with multiple felonies but entered a program for first-time offenders, allowing them to avoid a guilty plea.
The Cheating Scheme Unveiled
Bahri Sahpolat and Serdar Ozmen’s plan involved marking cards to gain an unfair advantage at the poker table. Surveillance footage revealed their method of denting cards, which helped them win significant amounts of money. The casino’s sophisticated security measures played a crucial role in detecting the scam. Once the illegal activity was identified, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board were notified. The men were arrested and held without bond until their sentencing.
The court records indicated that the casino confiscated over $12,000 in winnings from the suspects at the time of their arrest. The men were charged with theft, receiving stolen property, and using a cheating device. However, as part of a plea deal, they were allowed to enter the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, which is designed for first-time offenders. This program enabled them to avoid a guilty plea and have their records expunged after successfully completing probation.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the legal proceedings, the suspects faced multiple felony charges, including theft and receiving stolen property. The court also charged them with criminal trespassing and using a cheating device. However, the trespassing charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge, Tim Krieger, sentenced the men to two years of probation and ordered them to repay the casino $1,047. Additionally, the judge barred them from entering the casino in the future.
The sentencing also included their release from the county jail, where they had been held since their arrest. The plea deal allowed the men to avoid a lengthy prison sentence and provided them with an opportunity to rehabilitate. The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program requires them to serve one year on probation, after which their records can be expunged if they comply with all conditions.
Casino’s Response and Future Measures
Live Casino Pittsburgh officials declined to comment on the specifics of the case but emphasized their commitment to maintaining a secure environment. The casino’s spokesperson, Tom Meinert, highlighted the importance of their advanced security systems in detecting and preventing cheating. He assured that the casino would continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and integrity of their operations.
The incident has prompted the casino to review and enhance its security protocols further. While the specific measures were not disclosed, it is clear that the casino is taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The cooperation between the casino, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was instrumental in resolving the case and bringing the suspects to justice.
