Crime & Safety
Finders Keepers, Keeper Arrested at Casino
Souderton man found $1,280 in a Sands jackpot machine and left with the money. Now he faces a theft charge.
If you find unattended money at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, don’t pick it up—unless you are aiming to end your night in jail.
Steven Lynn Harpel, 59, of Souderton is finding this out the hard way.
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According to Pennsylvania State Police gaming control officers, Harpel stumbled onto $1,280 that had inadvertently been left in a jackpot machine by a casino attendant.
Harpel then took the money and left the casino, troopers said. According to the arrest affidavit, the incident, which occurred on April 24, was captured on video and Harpel was identified through his Sands Casino player’s card.
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State police dispatched Souderton Borough Police officers to find Harpel and ask him to call the investigating state trooper, the affidavit said. Harpel then called the trooper and admitted to the theft, police said.
Further investigation revealed that Harpel was involved in a theft at Harrah’s Casino a year ago, the affidavit said.
Harpel was charged with theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake. He was arraigned Monday before District Judge Patricia Romig-Passaro and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.
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