Man indicted on felony theft charges for gambling debts

A prominent Nebraska philanthropist has been indicted on felony theft and bad check charges for allegedly failing to repay more than $14 million in gambling debts to Las Vegas casinos.

A Clark County grand jury indicted Terrance Watanabe, 52, on two counts of theft and two counts of passing a bad check. He owes two casinos more than $14 million, but with additional fines owes at least $17 million, Chief Deputy District Attorney Bernie Zadrowski said.

Watanabe's attorney, David Chesnoff, said his client has always been an honorable customer in Las Vegas casinos.

"We're looking forward to defending the case," Chesnoff said. "There are very serious defenses to everything alleged."

Watanabe is scheduled to be arraigned on May 13.

Authorities said Watanabe accepted casino markers from Caesars Palace and the Rio between October and December 2007.

Watanabe's father founded the Oriental Trading Co., an import wholesaler, in 1932.