The son of a former Woonsocket mayor is accused of stealing chips from a Massachusetts casino.
Former Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt’s son, Gary Hunt, 35, was arrested Tuesday evening.
Hunt was arraigned in court Wednesday morning for allegedly stealing $13,000 worth of casino chips from Encore Boston Harbor.
“In the city of Everett, you are charged with two counts of larceny from a building,” said the judge.
A Woonsocket official confirmed that Hunt is Baldelli-Hunt’s son.
NBC 10 News also matched Hunt’s mugshot to the man seen in Baldelli-Hunt’s photo on X.
Massachusetts State Police said witnesses saw Hunt sitting at a gaming table, but he did not play.
Witnesses said he kept walking away to use his cellphone, but when he returned for the last time, things got more suspicious.
Witnesses said Hunt told them someone else won big at another game, distracting them while he allegedly stole 13 orange $1,000 chips from the dealer’s tray and took off through an emergency exit.
Police found him in a parking lot near the Encore casino in Everett.
Police said Hunt was found with several orange $1,000 chips.
They were also able to find more missing chips using security video.
NBC 10 News stopped by Hunt’s home in Woonsocket Wednesday afternoon for comment, but no one answered the door.
We received a statement from Baldelli-Hunt about the incident that reads:
“We are deeply saddened by the recent events involving our eldest son, Gary, which occurred within the context of his longtime mental health and addiction struggles. The path to recovery is not perfect and he understands the graveness of this lapse. Our three sons have all been provided the love and care needed for a healthy life. This matter is a reflection of nature rather than nurture, as our three sons were raised with equal love and support. Gary is a graduate from an acclaimed university and his two brothers have gone on to achieve academic and professional success.
“Although we have continued to provide support and guidance, he has not been able to overcome his struggles. No family is exempt from these challenges and they are not unique to our family.
“Our family denounces this form of behavior while recognizing it as an unfortunate complexity of the human body. We do not seek compassion but do request that you please respect our privacy during this time.”
Hunt was released on recognizance.
There will be a one-time exception made for Hunt to return with police to collect his vehicle from the casino’s garage.
“I will note that my client’s car is there. I’m just asking that he go with police escort to go get his car from the garage,” said his defense attorney.
After that, he is ordered to stay away from Encore Boston Harbor.