Police: Mississippi duo scammed more than $10000 from Rivers Casino roulette tables - TribLIVE

A scheme of distraction and secret signals helped a Mississippi couple scam Rivers Casino out of more than $10,000 at the roulette tables over two nights last month, according to the charges against them.

Shaun Benward, 33, and Denielle Derohan, 42, are both charged with theft by deception, conspiracy, and five counts of perpetrating fraudulent schemes while gaming.

According to the criminal complaint written by Trooper David Endlich, an officer with the state police Bureau of Gaming, authorities were alerted to the possible scam Feb. 20.

A spokesman for the casino noted that there are more than 1,000 surveillance cameras across the property.

The scheme – which was successful three times over two days – was pieced together though reports from the dealers and through surveillance footage, according to the complaint.

Benward would approach a roulette table where Derohan was already gaming, according to the complaint. While the ball is spinning and has not yet landed, Benward would hand chips to the dealer and engage him in conversation. As the ball landed, Derohan would allegedly tip off Benward, who would place his bet before the dealer realized the ball had landed.

The pair allegedly pulled off the scheme once on Feb. 18 and twice the following day, winning $3,500 each time, according to the complaint.

Twice — once Feb. 18 and once Feb. 19 — the couple's attempts failed, Endlich wrote in the complaint.

"It is clear," Endlich wrote, "that every illegitimate win and attempt conducted by Benward is accompanied by Derohan. Derohan is at every table each time the scam is conducted. Also, the scam is conducted at different tables each time, and Derohan is there when it happens."

Police noted that the pair arrived in the same vehicle, and Benward would drop Derohan off at the front entrance before heading to the parking garage. The reverse happened when the pair left, something police allege was to "not draw attention their activities."

Neither Derohan nor Benward were in custody Wednesday, according to court records.

Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 412-380-8519, mguza@triblive.com or via Twitter .