Man stole $13K in chips from Encore Casino after causing distraction, state police say

EVERETT, Mass. — A man accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of chips from a table at Encore Casino after causing a distraction on Tuesday night was arrested in a nearby parking lot, authorities said.

Gary Hunt, 35, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of larceny over $1,200 and larceny from a building. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.

Man charged in theft of chips at Encore Casino arraigned on larceny charges

Encore Boston Harbor’s Security Control Center law enforcement around 6 p.m. that a patron, later identified as Hunt, stole a large quantity of chips from a table game and took off, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Witnesses say Hunt was sitting at the table, without playing the game, and got up several times to use a cell phone. After returning to the table, he allegedly told other patrons that someone won a large sum of money.

While the other patrons and table staff were distracted, police say Hunt reached over the table, stole 13 orange chips valued at $1,000 apiece from the dealer’s tray, and ran out the emergency exit.

After a description of Hunt was broadcast to nearby officers, he was found in a parking lot near the casino.

During his arrest, Hunt was found to have had 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.

Hunt is due back in court on September 16.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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