From loopy swindles to motorcycle bandits to kidnappings, the Las Vegas on line casino trade has seen loads of fascinating crime capers by the years. Another of these crimes got here to a conclusion on Tuesday when a former Las Vegas police officer was sentenced to 12 years in federal jail after heists at three Sin City casinos.
Caleb Rogers, 35, was discovered responsible in July of three counts of theft and brandishing a firearm throughout against the law of violence. The sentencing concludes a case that noticed Rogers concerned with crimes on the Red Rock, Aliante, and Rio casinos in Las Vegas.
‘Carefully Planned’ Crimes
The firearm expenses required a compulsory sentence of not less than seven years. Prosecutors pushed for much more jail time than the dozen years that Rogers obtained, hoping the choose would give the defendant 18 years.
“The range of his actions here were not simply random — they were carefully planned,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cowhig mentioned through the sentencing listening to.
Prosecutors argued {that a} violation of public belief must be thought of as Rogers used his police department-issued gun in not less than one theft.
Rogers blamed a playing dependancy and a mountain of debt for needing the short money. In the unique trial, the armed robber’s brother Josiah Rogers testified towards him after admitting to taking part in one of many robberies himself. He described utilizing code phrases in textual content messages involving the crimes.
“I don’t have the ability to express to the court the stress I was facing,” Rogers mentioned.
Storming Casinos, Demanding Cash
Rogers would have made off with about $160,000 earlier than getting caught, initially evading arrest on the Red Rock and Aliante, earlier than being taken down throughout his getaway try on the Rio. Rogers entered the sportsbook sporting a wig whereas concealing a gun, and shoved a 63-year-old safety guard through the crime. He threatened to make use of the firearm whereas gathering stacks of money in a bag.
As he tried to exit the property, Rogers was tackled by safety guards after which arrested – letting police know that he was an officer as nicely whereas behind a patrol automotive.
During the trial a number of on line casino workers described their worry at being threatened with a gun, some saying they have been nonetheless haunted by the expertise.
Rio sportsbook supervisor Sherry McGrath testified: “All I kept thinking in my head was, I could die today.”
*Photo credit score – Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department