Iowa Judge Sentences Magician Fraudster to 10 Years in Prison

Several days ago, a judge in Iowa sentenced illusionist Shaun Benward to 10 years in prison for tricking casino staff throughout the US and making away with thousands in fraudulently acquired winnings.

The conman magician nicknamed “Shaun Mistery” would spend years eluding law enforcement until he was finally caught in April 2025.

Don’t You Want a Little Mystery?

The arrest occurred in Mississippi, and later he was transferred to Iowa, where he would be put on trial.

Investigation into Benward began in 2018, according to a press release by the state of Iowa. He had deceived personnel of the Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood in order to illegally acquire $10,000.

In their statement, they describe how he would remain undetected by changing his outfit multiple times and using different tellers.

By cashing out smaller amounts, Benward would avoid the limit at which he would need to file reports to the IRS.

In November 2025, the 38-year-old was convicted of 13 felonies.

He has already spent 12 months in prison, which will be counted towards his overall time behind bars.

Tricking Croupiers and Faking Wins

Benward would befriend the casino workers at different roulette tables, then, after the beginning of the round would make a bet. He would convince the staff that they had misplaced his chips.

Occasionally, relying on an associate to make the act more believable. The Iowa Department of Public Safety has shared that Benward had avoided authorities for 7 years.

During that time, he would receive convictions for similar crimes in several other states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, and Rhode Island.

Nevada also falls into the list, following several local roulette scams. In 2023, the Gaming Control Board added Benward to its Black Book, which bars him from all casinos in the state.

Benward’s Previous Convictions

Police in Pittsburgh would arrest the illusionist alongside a partner in 2022, when the two had attempted to illegally obtain $10,000 from the Rivers Casino. 

Benward would plead guilty to casino cheating and have the case dropped, on the condition of parole and a $10,500 payment of restitution.

He would later violate the probation.