Man convicted of abusing children in RI and MA arrested by State Police for fraudulent activity at Twin River Casino

The Rhode Island State Police today announced that members of the Gaming Enforcement Unit and the Computer Crimes Unit, arrested 56-year-old Richard Gardner, of Lincoln, Rhode Island on an arrest warrant 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).

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.

This morning, members of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office arraigned Gardner at Third Division District Court on the charges where he was issued $30,000 surety bail, and was held as a Superior Court probation violator.