Larchwood, Iowa — A Rock Rapids man has been arrested on a warrant for a felony gambling charge after an incident at Grand Falls Casino near Larchwood late last month.
According to court documents filed by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, 39-year-old Rock Rapids resident Blaz Medal allegedly used someone else’s identification to claim a gambling jackpot. He was arrested on a warrant on Friday.
In his statement, the DCI agent says Medal played a slot machine and physically pushed the button, but when he went to claim the $1500 jackpot, he attempted to do so using his brother’s ID. Casino staff say they discovered the discrepancy, and called him on it, and that’s when he said he left his ID and passport at home. His brother was apparently not at the casino, according to the agent, who says Medal owes over $10,000 in “offsets.”
Medal was charged with gambling – avoid setoff, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
No court dates have yet been set in the case.
At last report, Medal remained in the Lyon County Jail in Rock Rapids in lieu of a $5000 cash or surety bond.
KIWA Staff Photo
