Casino heist security intel
A former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer, Caleb M. Rogers, 33, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release this week after being found guilty of robbing three Las Vegas casinos, totaling $,
The first of the trio of brazen heists occurred on November 12, , shortly before 4 a.m., at the Red Rock Resort and Casino. Rogers, wearing dark clothing, black latex gloves, and a mask over his face, demanded money from the cashier, tucking his hand into his pocket to imply the presence of a weapon. Terrified, the cashier handed over almost $74, in cash. Though his face was concealed, security camera footage revealed the robber had an unusual gait, kicking out his left foot as he walked, which would later be a key clue in his identification.
On January 6, , Rogers executed a second robbery at the Aliante Casino and Hotel in North Las Vegas. Arriving in a white Volkswagen, Rogers again approached a cashier with his hand in his pocket, leaving with $11, Surveillance video from the scene once again captured his distinctive gait.
The final robbery occurred on February 27, , at the sportsbook of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, where Rogers threatened employees, brandishing his service firearm and demanding they step away from the money. In this incident, Rogers made off with almost $79,
During this final heist, Rogers was pursued by security officers to a parking garage, where he threatened to shoot with a silver revolver before being tackled and disarmed. The revolver&#;s serial number had been concealed with a yellow sticker, but it was later identified as belonging to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and had been checked out by Rogers during the time of the robberies.
This photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows a suspect captured by security cameras on January 6, , during a robbery at the Aliante casino in North Las Vegas. Police later identified the suspect as Caleb Rogers, who was employed as an active-duty LVMPD patrol officer at the time of the robbery.
In addition to the unusual gait, officers noted Rogers had trouble running due to an apparent problem with his left leg. When taken into custody, Rogers identified himself with his officer number.
A subsequent search of Rogers’ apartment revealed eviction notices, past-due notices, and occupational injury forms from a knee injury sustained in Federal prosecutors argued that Rogers had committed the robberies to pay off debts incurred due to a gambling addiction.
Rogers was found guilty in July of three counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime. He faced a potential 20 years in prison for each robbery charge and life imprisonment for the firearm conviction. His attorney, Richard Pocker, requested leniency, citing Rogers’ career as a law enforcement officer dedicated to protecting society.
According to CNN, Pocker said, “While many of his peers chose career paths and lifestyles that served only themselves, Rogers opted for service in one of the most dangerous professions dedicated to protecting our society.”
Rogers’ mother, Crystal G. Rogers, also requested leniency for her son, stating, “This is not the end of his story, and he has the ability to change the trajectory of what will define him. These are dark hours for us all. But it is just that. I pray this is his season of change.”
Pocker has plans to appeal the convictions.