Convicted Child Rapist Sentenced For Stealing RI Casino Rewards Cards

Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified the defendant. The story has been corrected to reflect the correct information.

WARWICK, RI — A convicted child rapist was sentenced to eight years in state prison after pleading to using a computer to rewards cards from players at Bally's Twin River Casino in Lincoln, state prosecutors said Friday.

On March 28, Richard Gardner, 57, of Lincoln, pleaded nolo contendere to three counts of accessing a computer for fraudulent purposes, two counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, and receiving stolen goods.

"The defendant took a gamble when he committed these criminal acts, and he lost, in a significant way," Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said. "I am glad the defendant has again been brought to justice for violating the law, which is something that he unfortunately is all too familiar with."

Had the case proceeded to trial, prosecutors said they were prepared to prove that over the course of several months in 2022 and 2023, Gardner illegally accessed patrons' player cards at Bally’s Twin River Casino, allowing him to access their rewards, including free spins and other rewards with a value of nearly $2,500.

In February 2023, Rhode Island State Police opened an investigation into fraudulent access of a Bally’s Casino Rewards account. Officials at the casino first discovered the fraudulent scheme when a patron arrived at the casino to redeem one of the prizes they were awarded through the casino’s rewards program.

Casino officials told her there were no prizes available, as the account tied to the rewards instead opted to use the rewards as “free plays” at gaming terminals within the casino. A surveillance review tied the use of the card to Gardner. State police also confirmed his car was parked at the casino when the fraud occurred.

Prosecutors said further investigation led to Gardner being linked to similar cases involving two other victims. On Feb. 16, 2023, state troopers arrested Gardner, and he has since been held without bail.

In 1993, Gardner pleaded nolo contendere to first-degree child molestation, kidnapping, burglary, and several other felony offenses. According to prosecutors, the victim was a child from Warwick. He was sentenced to 50 years in state, with 30 years to serve.

That sentence was then modified in 2004 to 50 years, with 20 years to serve the balance suspended with probation. Gardner was released in 2018. In light of his new conviction and sentence, the court continued Gardner's probation in his previous case.

"The Rhode Island State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit does important work in enforcing criminal laws related to casino gaming activities, and I am pleased this defendant was brought to justice," State police Col. Darnell Weaver said. "I thank the troopers and detectives for their efficient and diligent work alongside the Attorney General’s Office on the investigation and successful prosecution of this defendant."

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