LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer made his initial appearance in federal court today for allegedly robbing a casino.
Caleb Mitchell Rogers (33) was arrested on February 27, 2022. He is charged in a criminal complaint with one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah scheduled a preliminary hearing for March 24, 2022.
According to allegations in the complaint, on February 27, 2022, Rogers entered a Las Vegas casino. He ran toward two employees in the sportsbook area and yelled: “Get away from the money. I’ve got a gun. I will shoot you!” Rogers climbed over the counter and shoved one of the employees to the floor, before grabbing money and placing it into a bag.
Rogers fled when the employees triggered an alarm. As Rogers ran toward the parking garage, a casino security officer tackled him. Rogers drew a revolver and, with his finger on the trigger, threatened: “I’m going to shoot you!” Security officers were able to disarm Rogers and restrain him until LVMPD officers arrived. The officers arrested Rogers and seized his firearm. Checking the revolver’s serial number, officers learned that it belonged to the LVMPD.
The criminal complaint further alleges that: (a) on November 12, 2021, Rogers robbed a casino in the western part of Las Vegas (obtaining approximately $73,810); and (b) on January 6, 2022, he robbed a casino in North Las Vegas (obtaining approximately $11,500).
The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison for interference with commerce by robbery, and life imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge W.M. Herrington for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the LVMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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