Mohegan Sun Pocono VP hit with 21-count indictment in casino free play scheme

A former executive of Mohegan Sun Pocono and a gambler who were believed to have helped a scheme to defraud the casino were indicted Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Robert Joseph Pellegrini, former VP of player development for the Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs, and his alleged associate, Mark Heltzel, were hit with a 21-count indictment, including charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Authorities said Pellegrini, Heltzel and a third accomplice were engaged in a scheme that involves the use of stolen names in PINs that were tied to players’ loyalty club cards.

The indictment filed Tuesday did not name the third accomplice, who Citizens Voice identified as cocktail waitress Rochelle Poszelusnyi.