Man convicted of abusing children in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, sentenced for fraudulent activity at Bally’s Casino

A man previously arrested by Rhode Island State Police was sentenced Thursday to prison.

57-year-old Richard Gardner, of Lincoln, Rhode Island was arrested for alleged fraudulent activity.

In February 2023, the Rhode Island State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit initiated an investigation regarding fraudulent access of a Bally’s Casino Rewards account. Bally’s Rewards is a promotional reward card system that provides casino patrons with rewards at the casino based on gambling frequency and other play-based factors.

After an extensive investigation, Gardner was arrested and arraigned on 5 counts of Access to Computer for Fraudulent Purposes. (Felony), 1 count of Obtaining Money Under False Pretentions Over $1500. (Felony), and 1 count of Receiving Stolen Goods. (Misdemeanor).

According to inmate information, Gardner has a good time release date of October 2030.

At the time of his arrest, Gardner was on probation for a previous conviction in 1988 for numerous charges including Kidnapping and Child Molestation where he was sentenced to 50 years with 30 years to serve and the remaining 20 years suspended / probation.