Norwich man linked to casino theft in court on sex charges

Monday, Aug. 7, 2000 | 10:52 a.m.

Timothy Gahner, 21, was arrested last month on a charge of raping a 20-year-old woman at his home.

Three days earlier, his stepfather, Harlan Gahner, was charged with stuffing nearly $100,000 in hundred dollar bills into his uniform while working at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Police thought the cases were not related until the sexual assault victim reported seeing more than $400,000 in a safe at Timothy Gahner's home.

The victim also said Timothy Gahner had several pricey items, including a nearly $2,000 paint ball gun and two Waverunner personal water crafts, court documents show.

According to arrest affidavits, Timothy Gahner told police he had taken the money from his stepfather, who had stolen it from the Mohegan Sun.

If true, it would be the largest recorded heist from a casino in Connecticut, casino officials said. Authorities estimate thefts in excess of $600,000.

Timothy Gahner was not charged in connection with the casino theft during an appearance in New London Superior Court. He was being held on $250,000 bond and is due back in court Thursday.

Harlan Gahner is due back in New London Superior Court Aug. 28.

Two others - Steven Boyd, 22, and Dorothy Mae Baldwin, 28 - have been charged with hindering prosecution and interfering with a police officer for allegedly lying during the investigation.