A poker blogger has been sentenced to a probation program for stealing nearly $700 in dealers' tips by pulling the cash out of a locked box with chopsticks.



Jay Newnum, 41, of Fishers, Ind., has returned the money and announced in a blog post that he plans to "step away from the poker world indefinitely." You can read his full statement here.



Newnum was arrested on a misdemeanor larceny charge on Dec. 16 for the theft at Foxwoods Resort Casino after a poker tournament, but state police didn't announce the arrest until Thursday.



Newnum was granted accelerated rehabilitation, which allows charges to be erased after probation periods, the Day of New London reports.

State police said Newnum was caught "fishing" cash out of the dealers' tip box with chopsticks.



Newnum said in a statement that he's not discussing the case.



The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America Local 2121 represents the dealers and addressed the incident on its Facebook page on January 11.

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On Jan. 14, there was a follow-up post after the union president had a conversation with Newnum.



“Jay was openly apologetic for the harassment and negativity that has been placed upon me ever since my posting last week,” it says. “…Understanding that this is a very sensitive situation I am deeply appreciative of Jay's reaching out to me and expressing his feelings.”

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A statement from Foxwoods' public relations said in a statement that the matter is out of their hands and is being taken care of by authorities.