Brothers Rob Game They Play In (Ohio)

As reported by the Western-Star

http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2009/01/15/pjw011509poker.html

West Chester Twp. men allegedly robbed poker opponent at gunpoint
By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Two West Chester Twp. men were released from jail earlier this week after being arrested on felony charges when police said they robbed a poker opponent.

Mark E. Mason, 23, of 6200 Strathaven Drive, has been charged with aggravated robbery.

His brother, Matthew B. Mason, 21, of the same address, has been charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.

Both charges are first-degree felonies.

Police said the Mason brothers were playing poker at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at a friend's apartment at 6616 Fountains Blvd.

Joining them was Michael S. Butler, 22, of Hamilton, according to reports, which describe him as an "acquaintance" of the Masons.

At some point during the game, Matthew Mason pulled out a handgun and demanded Butler hand over his wallet, according to Sgt. Steve Oakes, of the West Chester Twp. Police Department.

While Butler was being held at gunpoint, Mark Mason searched the victim's pants and removed his wallet, Oakes said.

The two allegedly stole about $100 in cash from Butler's wallet and threw the billfold back to him on their way out, Oakes said.

Later that night, the two were arrested by West Chester Police at a nearby Waffle House.

If convicted on the charges, the men could face up to 10 years in prison.

Officials from the Butler County Jail said Tuesday, Jan. 13, the two were released on a court order Jan. 11.


Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.