Man guilty in embezzling $1.6 million from casino

A 27-year-old Carson City man accused of embezzling $1.6 million from Harveys Resort Casino in South Lake Tahoe last year has pleaded guilty.

Jason Lawrence's sentencing is scheduled for May 25 before Ninth Judicial District Judge Michael Gibbons.

Lawrence pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft, a Class B felony, on Monday. He faces one to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine for the charge.

Lawrence reportedly took chips and cashed them in connection with another person who worked at the casino, 22-year-old Stephen Johnson of Dayton.

An August trial date is set in Johnson's case.

Other charges of burglary, forgery and conspiracy were dropped against Lawrence in the plea bargain.

More than $1.6 million was taken from the casino. A little more than $400,000 was seized in the investigation. Lawrence agreed to nearly $1.2 million in restitution.

As part of the $400,000 seized assets, Lawrence is giving up money from two bank accounts, a $155,000 cash bond and two 2003 BMWs.

Contact Maggie O'Neill at mo'neill@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 214.