Hempfield Township, PA – Pennsylvania State Police have charged two men, Bahri Sahpolat of California and Serdar Ozmen of Maryland, for their alleged involvement in a card-marking scheme at Live! Casino.
The charges were filed in collaboration with the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation began on August 2, when the casino’s security management alerted the State Police. Security personnel had observed three men using marked cards to gamble and allegedly defraud the casino of approximately $14,270. The suspicious activity was first noticed the day before.
Casino footage confirmed the men were marking playing cards at a table. During questioning, the suspects admitted to marking the cards to increase their winnings, successfully pocketing thousands of dollars.
The police recovered $12,175, which has been returned to the casino.
Sahpolat and Ozmen face charges of theft, receiving stolen property, and possession of counterfeit/tampered/cheating devices. They are currently held without bail at Westmoreland County Prison, deemed flight risks by authorities.
