Published: November 19, 2009 11:06 pm      

Tavern worker faces gambling charge

STOYSTOWN — A Stoystown tavern worker was charged with illegal gambling after authorities said he paid out cash to a woman playing a video poker machine.

Thomas Richard Charlton, 68, of Koontztown Road, was charged Tuesday by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

The charges were filed before District Judge Joseph Cannoni of Windber.

According to a court document, authorities began their investigation into Grace’s Tavern, 2934 Whistler Road, after receiving a tip.

An undercover investigator said he witnessed a woman playing a five-card Philly Joker Poker machine around 8:20 p.m. June 20, 2008.

After playing the game, the woman and a man she was with told the bartender she “was ready to cash out.”

Charlton went to a back room and returned, then allegedly handed the woman an undetermined amount of money.

Charlton then “pushed a series of buttons on the gambling device, thereby taking the credits earned off the machine,” authorities said.

Charlton is scheduled to answer the gambling charge on Nov. 30.