PARMA, Ohio — Gaming investigators at Jack Casino said that a couple, including a Parma police officer, gave false information to casino officials while trying to cash in their winnings.
The incident led to criminal charges against Michael Yonek, 42, and Sandra Niermeyer, 31.
Yonek, who works for the Parma Police Department, was indicted Thursday after Ohio Casino Control Commission officials said he lied to gaming agents. He faces charges of obstructing official business and identity fraud.
Niermeyer was indicted Dec. 20, 2016 on charges of identity fraud, forgery, forging identification cards and tampering with records, according to court records.
Yonek and Niermeyer gambled at Jack Casino the night of Nov. 18, 2016. Gaming agents saw what they described in reports as “suspicious behavior” by Niermeyer after she won a jackpot, the report says.
She asked a casino employee if she could cash in her earnings in Yonek’s name, but the employee denied her request, the report says. Investigators said that there were several discrepancies between Niermeyer and the driver’s license she gave.
She also gave an incorrect Social Security number, the report indicated.
When the agents were speaking with her they noticed Yonek also referred to her as Danielle. Another woman approached the group and called her “Sandy.”
Niermeyer got verbally abusive when agents said they needed to hold her until they confirmed her identity, the report says.
When Cleveland police asked what her name was, she said Danielle Dobeck, but refused to give her Social Security number. She eventually gave her correct name.
Yonek is set for arraignment Feb. 16 in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
Parma police Capt. Kevin Riley confirmed Yonek is an officer with the department. He has been placed on unpaid administrative suspension, Riley said.
Yonek has been with the department since Aug. 28, 1997. He is assigned to the patrol division. Cleveland.com has requested a copy of Yonek’s personnel file from Parma police.
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