Indiana Man Who Hit It Big At Casino Accused Of Cheating At Gambling, Police Say

An Indiana man is accused of asking someone to illegally claim his gambling winnings in order to avoid having his windfall go toward child support payments he owed, authorities said.

On April 20, Billy J. Butler won money while playing a table game at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa in La Porte County.

The money, however, was intercepted because he owed at least $48,000 in child support, WBND reported, citing a probable cause affidavit.

The same day, the document states, Butler again hit it big with a $1,340 win while playing slots.

Rather than have his earnings intercepted again for his past due child support payments, Butler allegedly asked a stranger to collect the money from the casino, according to the report.

The casino contacted a Gaming Commission police officer to report the incident, and the woman was notified collecting Butler’s wins was a crime.=

The woman, who claimed Butler offered her $200, told the officer she wasn’t aware she was doing anything illegal, the report states.

Butler allegedly admitted to the scheme and left the casino, according to the affidavit.

He was charged with cheating at gambling a week later.

According to WBND, on May 10, Mishawaka police took Butler into custody on an arrest warrant connected to the case as well as for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and possession of cocaine.