Union President Allegedly Stole $50,000 to Gamble at Tribal Casino

Posted on: May 21, 2026, 08:29h. 

Last updated on: May 21, 2026, 08:29h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • A union president is accused of stealing $50,000 to gamble
  • The union leader reportedly admitted to having a gambling problem
  • He was previously arrested twice for DUI and for not paying a credit card balance

A union president in Arkansas is facing a felony charge for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars to gamble at a nearby tribal casino.

fire department union president theft gambling
A fire engine with the Fort Smith Fire Department. The president of the fire department’s union is accused of stealing $50,000 to fund his gambling addiction. (Image: City of Fort Smith)

An arrest warrant filed in Sebastian County Circuit Court alleges that Sharone Norwood, the president of the local Fort Smith chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters, embezzled approximately $50,000 from the organization to fund his gambling trips. Between Aug. 3, 2025, and Sept. 30, 2025, law enforcement believes Norwood made numerous unauthorized ATM withdrawals from the union’s bank account.

Union Treasurer Samuel Schleiff and several other members of the Fort Smith FD came to the police department on April 16, 2026, to report the financial discrepancies and their belief that Norwood was behind the illicit activity. A subsequent investigation led to subpoenas for bank camera surveillance video, which supposedly captured Norwood in the act.

Schleiff became suspicious after noticing the ATM transactions and him, as treasurer, being the only authorized person to make such withdrawals on the union’s behalf. After informing Norwood of the matter, Schleiff said a $20,000 deposit was made the following day.

The Fort Smith firefighters’ union reported total revenue of $102,338 in 2023.

Tribal Casino Union Beneficiary 

The affidavit against Norwood details that investigators were able to track his movements following the ATM withdrawals. The probe found him “at the casino in Pocola,” which refers to Choctaw Casino & Resort Pocola. The tribal casino is just across the Arkansas-Oklahoma border.

Investigators determined that Norwood also made several ATM transactions at the tribal casino.

Detectives obtained records from the casino in Pocola that showed Norwood actively playing at the casino the same days that he made the cash withdraws in Fort Smith on the 24th and 25th of September,” the warrant described.

Norwood reportedly confessed to a battalion chief with the Fort Smith FD that “he was the one who took the money out of the account.” The battalion chief told police Norwood also admitted to having a gambling addiction.

Despite the police report, Norwood pleaded not guilty to the felony charge on May 19. A conviction for such a charge carries the possible imprisonment of five to 20 years, and/or fines of up to $15,000.

A jury trial has been set for Oct. 12, 2026. Norwood is free after posting 10% of a $30,000 cash bail.

Credit Card, DUI Charges

In 2020, Norwood was sued by creditors over an unpaid credit card balance issued by Citibank. The outstanding account was later sold by Citibank to Midland Credit Management.

A court ruled that Norwood had defaulted in payment obligations and ordered him to pay Midland $4,036.52.

In 2023, Norwood was arrested for a second time for driving while intoxicated. He pleaded guilty. He was fined $1,150, served seven days in jail, and 21 days of house arrest.

Norwood was also ordered to undergo an outpatient alcohol treatment program, which he completed.