A 20-year-old employee of Montana Lil's Casino was charged Wednesday with conspiracy to commit theft for allegedly robbing his employer in collusion with a friend and patron.

David W. Oberg, of Missoula, made an initial appearance on the felony charge in Missoula County Justice Court via a live television feed from jail. He was released on his own recognizance.

Authorities began investigating the armed casino robbery on Oct. 30. Oberg told police that he had been working at the Brooks Street casino in the early morning hours when a masked man walked in and demanded cash. Oberg handed over $1,800 and the man left, although Oberg said at one point the robber pressed a "round, blunt metallic object" against his neck. He told police he feared that he might be shot, according to charging records.

As the investigation continued, police identified other casino patrons who had been gambling on the night of the robbery, and who identified Teuray J. Cornell as a possible suspect. During a second interview with police, Oberg admitted that he knew Cornell and said he had discussed committing a robbery in which Oberg, in exchange for his cooperation, received a portion of the stolen money.

"He said he told the defendant ‘you should come rob me' and that the defendant should ‘drop me a roll,' referring to a $500 roll of $20 bills," according to the charging document. "Although he claimed he didn't think it would happen, he admitted the defendant said ‘I'll come back in and you'll never see me' before leaving the casino."

Oberg told police he was "just joking" about the arrangement, records state.

Cornell, 34, was charged with conspiracy to commit theft on Nov. 12 and remains in custody at the Missoula County Detention Facility on $25,000 bail.

Reporter Tristan Scott can be reached at 523-5264 or at tscott@missoulian.com.