Casino Crime Round Up: Rhode Island’s Bally’s Casino Gun Arrest

Posted on: February 10, 2024, 01:15h. 

Last updated on: February 12, 2024, 12:01h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A woman was apprehended after an assault on Thursday night at Rhode Island’s Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino. She faces several charges.

Shanequa Bonnie, 28, of Worcester, Mass., was taken into custody by Rhode Island state troopers after a disturbance at the gaming property.

As the incident unfolded, a firearm was pulled out.

Bonnie was charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault and/or battery, not having a license or permit to carry a pistol, carrying a weapon while intoxicated, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

Bonnie was booked on the charges and remained in custody until she was presented at Third Division District Court.

Details weren’t released by the Rhode Island State Police.

TikTok Gambling Defendants Avoid Jail

Two brothers have avoided prison so far for a Minnesota gambling scheme involving TikTok and two gaming properties.

Blake C. Fitzgerald, 40, of Farmington, Minn., was placed on two years’ probation. He also must pay a $488 fine.

He played slot machines at two Minnesota casinos, while those who paid him to place their bets viewed the sessions live on TikTok.

Fitzgerald recently pleaded guilty in Scott County District Court to running a remote bookie business charge.

He played the slots between 2022 and 2023 at Mystic Lake Casino and Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

He has other charges pending. These include a count of instructing others to violate gambling laws, as well as three related misdemeanors. If he’s convicted on those charges, he could face a prison sentence.

On Wednesday, Fitzgerald appeared in Goodhue County District Court on the pending case. He’s scheduled to return to the courthouse on March 13.

Fitzgerald’s brother, Christopher J.L. Mattison, 34, of uncertain address, also has pleaded guilty in the operation. He will be on probation for a year. He must pay $250.

Under their scheme, the two men made bets for 81 players who, in total, wagered more than $48,000. One of the jackpots paid out more than $15,000.

In total, some 165,000 followed their TikTok site.

The Star Tribune, a Minnesota news outlet, further reported that management at both gaming properties learned of the operation. One of the brothers announced to his viewers via TikTok on January 12, 2023, how they got tossed out of Mystic Lake casino.

Also, Treasure Island casino management gave one of the brothers a permanent trespass notice that same January day, according to the Star Tribune.