CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - A Southeast Missouri State University professor pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated at Cape Girardeau’s casino.

Sixty-six-year-old Roger C. Arpin, a longtime literature professor, entered the plea Monday. He was arrested Friday at the Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

He is charged with “capping” his bets at a blackjack table, meaning he allegedly added to a bet after the cards were dealt.

The Southeast Missourian reports Arpin is the first person arrested for cheating at the Cape Girardeau casino since it opened Oct. 30. State gaming officials say 44 others were charged with cheating-related offenses in Missouri so far this year.

The charge carries a possible punishment of up to four years in prison. Anyone convicted of cheating is banned for life from the state’s 13 casinos.

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