PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- The man known as "The Coin" for his skill in manufacturing fake slot-machine tokens is now accused of a new crime -- growing and dealing marijuana.
Louis B. Colavecchio, 71, the star of a History Channel documentary "Breaking Vegas: Counterfeit King" and his own video "How to Win Slots," was ordered held without bail Thursday on drug charges after a raid at his house at 172 Argol St.
Colavecchio told the narcotics detectives Wednesday that he is a medical-marijuana patient and showed his state-issued card to prove it, said Pawtucket Police Maj. Arthur Martins.
But that didn't excuse the five pounds of marijuana that detectives found, along with four marijuana plants, a growing operation, and 2 1/2 grams of cocaine, Martins said.
Colavecchio was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, and maintaining a common nuisance. A woman visiting him was also arrested. Kimberly Carroll, 45, of 200 High St., was arrested on a bench warrant and charged with possessing cocaine and methadone after officers found she was carrying both, Martins said.
Colavecchio was a known associate of organized crime, according to police, when he was charged in 1998, and again in 2006, with making counterfeit slot tokens. He served time in 1998 for the crime; the 2006 case is still pending. He is banned from casinos everywhere.