Las Vegas Police Officer Could Get Life Sentence After Series of Casino Heist
Las Vegas police officer, Caleb Rogers, was convicted by a federal jury on all counts for stealing approximately $165,000 during a series of casino heists, AP reports.
These heists included one where Rogers was armed with a loaded weapon issued by the police department.
The 35-year-old officer now faces a potential life sentence when he is sentenced in October.
US District Judge Andrew Gordon presided over the case. The jury deliberated for just over three hours before reaching a verdict.
The decision was made using common sense and by considering all the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial, according to one of the jurors, Lloyd Dickerson. Dickerson stated that "everything kind of added up" to lead them to their conclusion.
Caleb Rogers, the Las Vegas police officer, who remained emotionless as the verdict was announced, was seated next to his attorney.
Richard Pocker, Rogers' attorney, said they plan to appeal the conviction.
At the time of the casino heists, Rogers was an active-duty patrol officer. Since his arrest, he has been on unpaid leave without police powers.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department indicated that Rogers' future with the department would be determined after the conclusion of an internal investigation.
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The Las Vegas Casino Heist
The Las Vegas police officer engaged in a series of criminal activities, according to the allegations outlined in the complaint, per PEOPLE.
He entered a Las Vegas casino on February 27, 2022. He allegedly approached two employees in the sportsbook area, threatening them by shouting, "Get away from the money. I've got a gun. I will shoot you!"
The complaint further stated that when the employees activated an alarm, Rogers fled toward the parking garage.
As he was pursued, a casino security officer tackled him. At this point, Rogers reportedly drew a revolver, placed his finger on the trigger, and threatened the security officer, saying, "I'm going to shoot you!"
The security officers managed to disarm and restrain Rogers until Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived.
Rogers was arrested, and the LVMPD officers seized the firearm, discovering it belonged to the police department.
Investigations and prosecution revealed that Rogers, who had been a police officer with the LVMPD for seven years and was on active duty as a patrol officer at the time, allegedly carried out two heists totaling over $85,000 at casinos located away from the Las Vegas Strip between November 2021 and January 2022.
Authorities added that he was apprehended while attempting to steal an additional $79,000 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in February 2022.
Brother, Casino Employees Testify Against the Rouge Las Vegas Police Officer
During the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of Caleb Rogers as a gambling addict burdened by mounting debts, exploiting his position as a law enforcement officer to carry out the robberies, according to Daily News.
Testimonies from casino employees who encountered Rogers during the heists provided insight into the lasting impact and trauma caused by the robberies.
A security guard shared his wrestling experience with Rogers to gain control of his loaded weapon during one of the heists. He expressed the constant reminder of how he might not have made it home to his family that day.
Additionally, a 63-year-old cashier revealed that she still feels a sense of unease and remains vigilant when handling cash at work due to the ordeal.
Caleb's younger brother, Josiah Rogers, testified against him, recounting their involvement in the initial casino heist and subsequent events.
Josiah was granted immunity in exchange for his testimony, and provided details about their preparations and actions during the robbery.
He claimed to have received a $30,000 share from the job and returned home to Columbus, Ohio.
Security guards apprehended Caleb Rogers as he exited the casino, causing a wig he had been wearing to come off during the struggle.
Video footage of the incident captured him identifying himself as a police officer while being placed into the back of a patrol car.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Las Vegas police officer set to go on trial over $165k stolen in 3 casino heists - From 8 News NOW Las Vegas
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