Blog

• Gambling News

Casino Crime News Roundup: Casino Kidnapping Leads to Oklahoma Arrest

Last week, a man in Oklahoma was apprehended after he reportedly abducted a woman from Newcastle Casino and sexually assaulted her. 

Kevin Alando Martin was arrested and charged with offenses such as kidnapping, human trafficking, and forcible sodomy, as reported by Oklahoma TV station KOKH. 

On Monday, Oklahoma City police received a call from an unidentified woman who stated she was frightened, naked, and had been abducted from the casino. Officers arrived at NW 22nd Street and North May Avenue in Oklahoma City, where they found the victim. She indicated a nearby vehicle where Martin was seated. 

He got out of the vehicle and gave himself up to the police. He was taken into custody and his bond was established at $50,000. 

Local police have not yet provided details on Martin's specific actions towards the victim, and it is unclear whether the victim sustained any physical injuries. It’s unknown whether she needed medical care. 

According to the allegations, it seems the victim was abducted from the casino, located roughly 24 miles from where Martin was detained. She was also a victim of a sexual offense. 

Authorities reported that Martin was indicted for human trafficking in April in a case that seems unconnected. The teen involved in that incident was a victim, according to KOKH. 

Therapist Was at Casino Rather Than with Patient 

A mental health therapist from Nebraska, who may have a gambling addiction, will escape imprisonment after being granted probation last week. 

Pamela J. Helem, 69, from Papillion, Neb., entered a no contest plea to a charge of Medicaid fraud. She submitted a bill to Medicaid for treating a patient at her Omaha office. 

At that moment, she was in a casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, according to officials. 

Multiple Conditions Requested 

On Wednesday in federal court, Helem received a five-year probation sentence. If she finishes probation successfully, she will evade a prison term of up to two years. She is also required to pay $60K in restitution to Medicaid. 

Additional requirements established by Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf involve evaluating Helem for gambling addiction. The judge also required that she refrain from gambling or going to any casino. She is also required to fulfill community service obligations. 

Her office was recognized as Helem's Counseling and Consulting. 

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has instituted legal action against Helem for committing Medicaid fraud.