Authorities in Louisiana have arrested Michel Francklin, the alleged accomplice in a casino fraud case involving tampered gambling machines. Francklin, 57, was arrested by Miami Police and extradited to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, where he faces charges of theft and tampering with gaming equipment. He is accused of working with Michael Shea, 33, who had previously pleaded guilty to manipulating a video roulette machine at Boomtown New Orleans Casino and cashing out thousands in fraudulent tickets.

Alleged Accomplice Arrested in Louisiana Casino Fraud Case

Two Men Manipulate Gambling Machines to Steal Thousands

According to reports, Francklin assisted Shea in cheating a video roulette machine at the Boomtown New Orleans Casino over three visits. The fraud took place in August 2022, with the two men cashing in a total of $68,388 through the manipulation of the machine.

Timeline of Events:

• August 6, 2022: Francklin and Shea spent 11 hours at the casino, cashing in 12 tickets worth $31,500.
• August 7, 2022: The duo returned for another 11-hour session, withdrawing $19,038.
• August 8, 2022: On their final visit, they took an additional $17,850.

While the authorities have not revealed the exact method of manipulation, the case has drawn attention to vulnerabilities in gambling machines and the lengths individuals will go to defraud casinos.

Shea’s Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Shea, who hails from Coral Springs, Florida, was arrested earlier this year and pleaded guilty to stealing more than $25,000. Initially facing a six-year prison sentence, Shea was instead given three years of active probation. He was also ordered to pay full restitution to the casino. However, Shea’s probation officer later filed a motion to revoke the probation due to his failure to make restitution payments and missing a court hearing. Additionally, Shea had relocated to California without court approval.

Francklin Held on $45,000 Bail

Meanwhile, Francklin is being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on three counts of theft and three counts of altering gaming equipment. His bail has been set at $45,000. If convicted, Francklin could face severe penalties, adding to the already escalating legal issues surrounding this high-profile casino fraud case.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent security measures within the gaming industry, highlighting the risks casinos face from individuals exploiting weaknesses in gaming systems.

FAQs About Casino Fraud Case Involving Alleged Accomplice in Louisiana

1. Who were the individuals involved in the Louisiana casino fraud case?

The individuals involved in the casino fraud case were Michel Francklin, 57, and Michael Shea, 33. Francklin is accused of assisting Shea in manipulating a video roulette machine at Boomtown New Orleans Casino to cash in fraudulent tickets.

2. What did Michel Francklin allegedly do?

Michel Francklin allegedly helped Michael Shea manipulate a video roulette machine at the Boomtown New Orleans Casino. The two men cashed in tickets worth thousands of dollars by tampering with the machine over three visits.

3. How much money did the duo steal from the casino?

The two men allegedly stole a total of $68,388 over three days by manipulating the video roulette machine at Boomtown New Orleans Casino.

4. What were the key dates of the fraud?

The fraud took place over three visits in August 2022:

• August 6, 2022: The duo cashed in tickets worth $31,500.
• August 7, 2022: They cashed in another $19,038.
• August 8, 2022: The final visit was worth $17,850.

5. What was Michael Shea’s sentence?

Michael Shea pleaded guilty to the fraud charges earlier this year. He was sentenced to three years of active probation and ordered to repay the stolen amount. He initially faced a six-year prison sentence.

6. Why was Michael Shea’s probation at risk of being revoked?

Shea’s probation officer filed a motion to revoke his probation because he failed to make restitution payments, missed a compliance court hearing, and relocated to California without court approval.

7. Where is Michel Francklin currently being held?

Michel Francklin is being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on three counts of theft and three counts of altering gaming equipment. His bail is set at $45,000.

8. How did the authorities catch Michel Francklin?

Francklin was arrested by the Miami Police and later extradited to Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, where he now faces charges in connection with the casino fraud case.

9. What are the potential legal consequences for Francklin?

If convicted, Francklin could face significant legal penalties for his role in the casino fraud, including imprisonment and substantial fines, due to charges of theft and altering gaming equipment.