CROWN POINT | A Munster man was charged in Lake Superior Court with felony theft in a scheme to defraud Ameristar Casino in East Chicago where he was a pit manager, Lake County court documents state.

Edward Rau III, 45, allegedly ordered dealers on four separate occasions to give $1,800 in chips to a Chicago man who would cash them in and split the money with Rau, documents state.

Also charged with felony theft was Edward L. Travis, 53, who reportedly told an agent with the Indiana Gaming Commission that Rau had approached him asking if he wanted to make extra money.

Travis and other witnesses told authorities Rau would pretend to talk on the phone with someone complaining about not receiving payment for a bet.

Dealers then would be ordered to give Travis the chips, which he would cash and take a $400 cut, according to charges filed last week.

Rau allegedly admitted to the scheme, saying Travis had proposed the scam because he was sick and needed money.