Illinois Man Sentenced To Felony For Cheating In Poker

Poker News - March 6th, 2010 - Written By Glen

A man from Rock Falls, Illinois, had decided back in 2009 to cheat in a poker game. Sitting in the Wild Rose Casino, Dustin O. Kendrick had no idea what trouble would befall if he had gone through with his cheat. He did go ahead with his dishonest maneuver, and he learned a hard lesson in morality.

Kendrick, 30, was playing a game of poker last February, and decided he would attempt to make a cheat. By palming two chips and attempting sleight of hand to place them in the bet after betting had closed, Kendrick attempted to increase his pay out. The extra amount he would have won from this maneuver? An additional $40 dollars.

Due to his crime, Kendrick was charged with a felony for prohibited acts at a gambling game. His conviction came last month after a short trial by jury in the Clinton County District Court. He was sentenced to two years of supervised probation after the judge suspended a $750 dollar fine, as well as a five year stint in prison.

Kendrick was also banned from entering any casinos in Iowa, a ban that will never lift. He was also ordered to receive treatment for his pathological gambling and alcohol abuse. He will serve his probation in Illinois.

Thankfully, cheating like this is not possible through reputable USA online poker rooms. Though Kendrick's crime is not one that is common, his punishment should tell any who would consider cheating an option that the pay off will not be worth the permanent record as a felon.