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November 29, 2009

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Indiana: Angry casino patron who stole shuttle bus given year’s probation

Thursday, June 22, 2000 | 9:48 a.m.

Richard Fledderman, 28, had been charged with auto theft, but agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to felony theft.

In addition to probation, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and to attend alcohol and gambling counseling.

Fledderman admitted that he was drunk after losing about $2,000 gambling at the Empress Casino in Hammond when he asked casino workers for a complimentary taxi cab ride home about 3 a.m. on New Year's Day.

After they repeatedly rejected his request, Fledderman commandeered an empty Empress shuttle bus and drove away. Police later found Fledderman and the bus at Hammond fast food restaurant.

Monica Kasley of Empress Casino Hammond said the casino may "comp" a cab ride home, but that each decision is made on an individual basis.

Fledderman's attorney, Marce Gonzalez Jr., said his client should have been offered a cab ride home because he was flat broke.

"The boats will embrace you, take your paycheck, your house payment and your child support," Gonzalez said. "But when you ask for a ride home after you're broke, they send you on your way."

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