Morning Roundup: 4th person charged in Rivers Casino roulette scheme

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Wednesday, May 15:

4th person charged in Rivers Casino scheme

Pennsylvania State Police on Tuesday announced a fourth person was arrested in connection with a scheme to rig electronic roulette betting at Rivers Casino.

Police in March announced two casino employees and a player were arrested in the incident. Dealer Robin L. Schnepp, 34, of Kennedy, a 14-year casino employee, was charged along with her supervisor Anthony A. Laush, 40, of Ross and roulette player Jack Daniel Mars III, 43, of Pittsburgh’s East Allegheny neighborhood.

State police said Schnepp was supposed to spin the ball in the opposite direction of the wheel, but spun it instead in the same direction. This caused an error that required Laush to reset the game. The error should’ve spurred them to void the winning number and spin again, but the workers instead validated the fraudulent spin, allowing Mars and another bettor to increase their bets on the winning number and profit from the late bets.

According to police, Mars earned $2,760 and a woman earned $2,675 from the scheme.

State police on Tuesday identified the woman as Gabriella Marie Bianco, 36, of Pittsburgh. Court records indicate she is awaiting a preliminary hearing and is facing charges of theft by deception, knowing to manipulate a win and conspiracy.

Traffic-calming efforts to begin in East Allegheny

Traffic-calming work is slated to start Wednesday in Pittsburgh’s East Allegheny neighborhood.

Speed humps, along with new signage and pavement markings, will be installed on Concord Street; Tripoli Street between Madison Avenue and Chestnut Street; and Suismon Street between Madison Avenue and Chestnut Street.

Officials said the traffic calming project is underway after 2023 data showed more than 60% of drivers on Chestnut Street speeding above the posted 25 mph limit.

Each impacted street will intermittently close to traffic as speed humps are installed, city officials said, and flaggers will be stationed in the area. Work is expected to take two days, weather permitting. Temporary parking restrictions will be in place along those streets.

“When I see projects like this in our neighborhoods, I see progress towards achieving zero traffic deaths which will help us achieve our goal of making Pittsburgh the safest city in America,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a statement.

1 injured, 1 in custody after Washington shooting

One man was injured and another was taken into custody after a shooting Tuesday evening in Washington.

TribLive news partner WTAE reported the Washington City shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m.

The victim walked into a hospital, according to WTAE, while the suspect was found later on Maple Avenue and surrendered to police.

Additional information, including the suspect’s identity and the victim’s condition, were not immediately available.