One would think that an officer of the law would know both that running an illegal casino was wrong and that criminals eventually get caught, but apparently, Michael Anthony Thorn did not, or just did not care. Thorn, a Howard County, Maryland, police officer, was charged with eight counts of illegal gambling and other related crimes last week when it was discovered that he and his father, Gary Thorn Sr., ran an illegal poker room.
The poker room, named Tykie’s Lodge, was located in a warehouse in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, rented to Michael Thorn by emergency contracting firm Complete Restoration Services. Firm owner, Jesse Lee Turpin Jr., was also charged in the matter.
Paid dealers presided over each game and players bought chips from the house to use during play. At the end of a session, players would exchange the chips for cash, just like at a legal casino. These were no penny-ante games, either, as some pots grew as large as $6,000.
Michael Thorn is reportedly no stranger to getting mixed up in illegal poker rooms. In February, police found another similar operation, allegedly managed by Thorn. The police were told that the games were run by a non-profit group and the profits were donated to charity, but the management was still warned to cease operations.
A disappointed Police Chief, G. Wayne Livesay, said, “I am extremely upset by Thorn's actions. He can expect no sympathy from me.”
If Thorn is convicted on all counts, he could face up to nine years in prison and a $4,100 fine.
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