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Lawrence Receives Maximum Sentence in Casino Scam

RENO, Nevada – As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: ``The man who was the hub of an effort that stole $1.6 million from Harveys Lake Tahoe did not have a drug or gambling problem but felt like Robin Hood, a psychologist said Monday.

``Douglas District Judge Michael Gibbons still gave Jason Lawrence, 29, of Topeka, Kan., the maximum sentence of four to 10 years in prison for his part in stealing the money between Dec. 31, 2002, and June 1, 2003.

``Gibbons gave co-defendant Stephen Johnson, 22, of Dayton two to eight years in prison, saying Johnson deserved the lesser sentence because he didn't organize the theft, he cooperated with investigators and because of his age.

``Both defendants pleaded guilty to grand theft.

``…Under cross examination from Deputy District Attorney Mark Jackson, the psychologist acknowledged that greed likely played a part, too.

``…In the five months ending June 1, 2003, the pair stole the bulk of the $1.6 million when Lawrence used his position as pit boss to mark off chips given to Johnson on credit as paid back, Jackson said. Johnson cashed in the chips and split the proceeds with Lawrence, the prosecutor said…"

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