Alleged Encore Boston Harbor Police Thief Suspended

Article ByDavid Weir

August 17, 2023

Spread the Word:

Posted in: US Gambling Crime News, Massachusetts Gambling News, US Casino News

A Boston police officer, named as Rebecca Leo, was suspended after allegedly stealing money from a wallet found at the Encore Boston Harbor.

Officer Leo, who is affiliated with the Boston Police Department’s Bureau of Administration and Technology, was accused of taking money from a lost wallet she found at the Encore Boston Harbor casino on August 7, 2022.

The incident, which occurred while she was off-duty, led to her suspension after the casino’s security staff reported the theft.

However, the police report has only surfaced publicly this week, as reported by NBC Boston TV.

The Encore is consistently the most popular brick-and-mortar casino in Massachusetts. It regularly pulls in more than $60 million a month in revenues, and markets itself as a luxury destination property.

This recent incident, combined with a previous one involving police officers and overtime payments, may raise concerns about the integrity of law enforcement personnel frequenting the Wynn Resorts-owned establishment.

Officer’s Misconduct at the Casino

Following the allegations, Leo entered a settlement agreement, resulting in a 90-day suspension without pay. This suspension spanned from July 3 to October 1.

Additionally, she will remain on probation with the department for the next three years.

The Massachusetts State Police did not reveal the identity of the individual involved, as no charges were filed against her. However, they did confirm that the Encore security team informed their Gaming Enforcement Unit about the incident on the day it occurred.

Surveillance footage reviewed by the Gaming Enforcement Unit corroborated the casino’s account of the events.

Interestingly, restitution was made to the wallet’s owner by an associate of the female patron involved in the theft. Due to this prompt reimbursement, the Gaming Enforcement Unit opted not to pursue its own criminal investigation. The casino, however, issued a trespass order, prohibiting the woman from returning to the venue.

Controversies at Encore

This isn’t the first time the Encore Boston Harbor casino has been associated with controversies involving law enforcement.

Earlier this year, in January, several Everett police officers were under scrutiny for potentially exploiting overtime payments while stationed at the casino.

No details were released on the police’s investigation into the allegations, which were detailed in The Boston Herald. Journalists investigating use of city taxes allege that one officer alone tripled his base pay to $315,000 by working regular overtime shifts at the casino.

While the Encore Boston Harbor casino continues to be a popular destination, these incidents highlight the challenges faced by such establishments in ensuring the integrity and safety of their patrons.

Wynn Resorts is an award-winning casino and hospitality provider, with its Wynn Las Vegas property of particular repute.

However, Boston Harbor Encore has been beset by several controversies in 2023. As well as this latest police incident, in June the casino narrowly averted an almost total worker walkout over pay. Then, just last month, it was among the three Boston casinos fined for sports betting violations at retail sportsbooks.