A Mississippi magician will spend a decade behind bars for casino fraud.
Shaun Benward, who went by the alias “Shaun Mistery,” will serve multiple sentences adding up to 10 years on felony charges of money laundering, cheating at gambling games, and conspiracy. The sentencing occurred in Iowa, where Benward was found guilty of exploiting a local casino for personal financial gain.
On Dec. 16, 2018, law enforcement officials and staff at the Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood, Iowa report that Benward committed a series of fraudulent activities, including securing over $10,000 in improper payouts through deceptive practices. He further avoided IRS reporting requirements by breaking up over $12,000 in transactions, changing his outfit multiple times, and using different tellers to remain low-profile.
The incident in Iowa was not Benward’s first rodeo with breaking the law. He has faced convictions in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Nevada for similar crimes dating back to 2015.