Gambling takes another victim

Gambling takes another victim

More and more evidence is surfacing about the deadly cost gambling places on Oklahoma families and pocketbooks.

Roger Q. Melson, Jr., of Edmond was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Oklahoma County after pleading guilty to 174 felony counts of embezzlement. Melson was the director of audits at the Commissioners of the Land Office – a position of trust. Over a five-year period, Melson stole royalty payments worth more than $1 million to maintain his gambling addiction at Oklahoma casinos.

Prosecutors wanted to give him 20 years. Friends and family argued for probation for Melson, who was working as a janitor at a Baptist church for about $10 an hour following his arrest.

He stole from an agency that supports schools, colleges and universities. He worked there as an auditor for more than 20 years.

On Jan. 28, a judge will determine how much he owes in restitution. He has already forfeited his state retirement – more than $125,000 – and $23,000 he had left over from his theft.

So, now another nonviolent criminal goes to prison. His family must live without him and his income and he and his wife face retirement without anything but Social Security.

Melson said he went to casinos “to escape.” He was given 50 years of probation (essentially a life sentence). He asked the judge for probation with prison on the weekends so he could counsel others with gambling addiction. The judge said no.
Melson’s despair over his gambling addiction was so great that he purchased a gun so that if the shame became unbearable, he could take his own life.

Gambling is a sin. It is bad for people. It is bad for a state and a culture. It invites crime. It is wrong.

As long as Oklahoma permits legalized gambling, our people will pay the price.