MISSOULA - A 20-year-old employee at a Missoula casino was charged Wednesday with plotting to rob his employer with a friend.

David Oberg of Missoula appeared in Justice Court by video feed from the county jail on a charge of conspiracy to commit theft. He was released on his own recognizance.

Oberg told police he was working at Montana Lil's Casino in the early morning hours of Oct. 30 when a masked man walked in and demanded cash. Oberg said he handed over $1,800 after the man pressed a "round, blunt metallic object" against his neck.

Casino patrons identified 34-year-old Teuray J. Cornell as a possible suspect. Police said Oberg acknowledged knowing Cornell and discussed committing the robbery together. But court records also said Oberg told police he was "just joking" about the arrangement.

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