A former employee of the Meadows Racetrack and Casino was arrested today and charged with stealing $246,301.61 from the facility using fake invoices.

Thomas M. Reddy, 47, of Bridgeville, was arraigned today on one count of theft by deception and released on his own recognizance.

Mr. Reddy is accused of issuing fraudulent invoices for two bogus companies, Innovative Cleaning Concepts and Total Mechanical Restoration, to siphon money from Magna Entertainment, which operates the Meadows Racetrack. Mr. Reddy worked for Magna as the director of purchasing for the racetrack.

In January 2007, Mr. Reddy was hired by the Meadows Casino as the director of purchasing and facilities. He applied for a license with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which got on the scent of the alleged fraud. Meadows spokesman David LaTorre said that Mr. Reddy was fired after the allegations came to light and none of the money he is accused of stealing came from the casino.

The investigation was conducted by the Gaming Control Board, the Allegheny County District Attorney's office and North Strabane police. Mr. Reddy is charged in Allegheny County because the checks were deposited in Bridgeville. The Meadows is in Washington County.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.