North Jersey Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Casino Cheating

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A north Jersey man's penchant for cheating at craps has earned him a lengthy prison sentence.

Derek Bethea was sentenced to 17 years in state prison on Friday after a jury found him guilty of cheating at three Atlantic City casinos last summer. The incidents occurred weeks after Bethea had been released from prison on a previous cheating conviction.

After a weeklong trial last month, Bethea was convicted of swindling and cheating at casino gambling. Prosecutors introduced evidence that showed the 57-year-old Bayonne resident had posted bets at the craps tables after the dice had already come out. The incidents occurred at the Borgata, Resorts and Revel casinos last August.

Bethea was convicted in 2001 and 2005 for similar crimes.

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