Casino dealer faces drug, gambling charges
Staff Writer
A table games dealer at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino was arrested Thursday for allegedly dealing more than cards while working.
Robert “Scrubby” Roberts, 53, of 178 Locust St., Muse, is accused of selling dihydrocodeine and marijuana to an undercover agent with the state attorney general’s office on two occasions last month. He also is accused of accepting bets from her on two college basketball championship tournament games.
The attorney general’s office, jointly with state police at the casino, charged Roberts with eight counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, four counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of engaging in bookmaking.
Court records filed at the office of District Judge Jay Weller show that investigators developed information in February 2013 that a table games dealer, later identified as Roberts, was involved in the distribution of controlled substances and illegal bookmaking.
A special agent working undercover reportedly met with Roberts March 7. She said she purchased 3.9 grams of marijuana and 20 dihydrocodeine tablets, using $299 in official funds.
On March 20, the undercover agent again met with Roberts. She reported purchasing 12.7 grams of marijuana and 18 tablets of dihydrocodeine, this time paying $360.
Also March 20, she said she met Roberts at Trotters Bar, which is located in the casino/racetrack area, and wagered $55 on the Pitt-Wichita State basketball game. She also reportedly placed a $55 bet on the Creighton-Cincinnati game. The agent said she bet on Pitt and Creighton.
Roberts allegedly met her March 26 in the parking lot of McDonald’s on Meadowlands Boulevard to pay her $125 for her winning wager on the Creighton game.
The drugs were sent to the state police crime lab for chemical analysis and tested positive, authorities said.
During arraignment, Weller told Roberts that the charges are serious and that he could face jail time.
“It was just a stupid move,” Roberts told the judge.
Weller released Roberts on $50,000 bond and told him he is not to return to the casino between now and his March 3 preliminary hearing. Roberts told Weller Thursday that he is not sure of his status with the casino.
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