New Hampshire Man Tried to Sell Gamblers Meth at Encore Boston Harbor Casino

A man from New Hampshire has been arrested and charged with trying to sell methamphetamine inside the Encore Boston Harbor casino resort in Everett, Ma.

Massachusetts Encore Boston casino crime
A table game dealer at Encore Boston Harbor is ready to deal behind a plexiglass barrier. Police in Massachusetts say a man from New Hampshire tried to sell illegal drugs on the casino floor. (Image: Boston Herald)

The Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that Matthew Gorman, 32, has been indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury. The New Hampshire man was indicted on five counts related to possession of a large-capacity firearm, two counts of possession of a loaded firearm, and one count of possession with intent to distribute a Class B Substance.   

Healey’s office says an investigation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit led to Gorman’s arrest, which occurred back in September. Law enforcement says Gorman was trying to sell meth on the casino floor.

When he was arrested, police found two semi-automatic pistols and three large-capacity magazines in his possession.

Massachusetts’s three casinos, Encore Boston, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park, were permitted to reopen in July following state-ordered shutdowns that began in March. They’ve been required to operate at 25 percent of their fire code capacity since December.

Massachusetts Casinos Have Strong Police Presence

Massachusetts legalized three commercial casino resorts plus a slots-only facility in 2011. The law mandated that each gaming property be closely monitored by the Attorney General’s Gaming Enforcement Division (GED).

Last March, Encore Boston requested assistance from GED to help apprehend an unruly person in the casino’s poker room. The man, Brandon Wangnoon, 25, of Brockton, became physically aggressive and led to two state officers sustaining injuries. One police officer suffered a concussion and another back injuries. Both troopers have since recovered.

Wynn Resorts, parent company to Encore Boston, says the casino is largely free of violence. The casino operator says more than 10,000 people typically visit the casino daily, and there are dozens of security and GED personnel on-site around the clock.

Severe Penalties Possible

Gorman is facing many years behind bars and large fines.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts says any person who knowingly or intentionally distributes a Class B controlled substance faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The penalty for someone found guilty of being in possession of a large-capacity firearm is subject to a minimum prison term of five years.

Gorman will be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court at a later date.

Devin O'Connor
Devin O'Connor Senior Reporter

Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news.

Devin's passion for politics and background in the world of pop culture television gives him insight into the gaming industry backstories that often drive news these days.

After graduating from Penn State University with a theater arts degree, he worked at MTV Networks/Viacom as a writer and producer. His credits included Total Request Live, New Year's Eve specials, and a special featuring poker superstar Daniel Negreanu.

He later moved on to the HGTV/DIY Network, where he created, wrote, and produced three series specials: That's So House Hunters, That's So 80s, and That's So 90s.

Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014. He lives in Arlington, Va.

Contact Devin at devin.oconnor@casino.org.

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