Two sent to prison in $1.6 million Harveys Casino theft

MINDEN - Two men are headed for prison for stealing $1.6 million from Harveys Resort Casino in South Lake Tahoe in early 2003.

Jason Lawrence, 29, of Topeka, Kan., received a four-to-10 year prison sentence for grand theft from District Court Judge Michael Gibbons on Monday.

Lawrence's co-defendant and brother-in-law, Stephen Johnson, 22, of Dayton, received two to eight years in prison for grand theft.

"Judge Gibbons sent a clear message that you can't go in and steal money and walk away with probation," said Douglas County Deputy District Attorney Mark Jackson. "Jason Lawrence, who we believe recruited other individuals who helped him, was sentenced to a maximum (prison term) and that was what the state submitted."

Both men pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft.

Jackson recommended a shorter prison sentence for Johnson because he cooperated with authorities. Three other individuals who are scheduled to appear in Tahoe Township Justice Court in June are charged with related crimes.

However, Jackson identified Lawrence as the mastermind and Johnson as the first individual to cash in chips for Lawrence.

"Our position is Lawrence is responsible for the $1.6 million stolen," Jackson said. "Other individuals were involved in cashing in the chips that were gained from an unlawful source, mainly stealing from the casino, the majority through a marker scam. Lawrence signed the initials or signatures of dealers to cover markers."

Investigators recovered about $424,000 of the stolen money. Lawrence and Johnson are responsible for repaying the remainder, with the bulk resting on Lawrence.

"Lawrence is responsible for every bit of it and Johnson is responsible for his portion of the conspiracy," Jackson said.

Future wages or earning will be garnished to pay back Harveys, but total restitution is unlikely, according to Jackson.

"The representatives of Harrah's entertainment, which owned Harveys, do not expect to get fully reimbursed from any defendants in the case. With the large amount of money there is the likelihood they will never earn the money."

Investigators arrested Lawrence and Johnson on June 1, 2003, after videotaping them stealing.

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