In a stunning turn of events, Caleb M. Rogers, a former Las Vegas police officer, has been handed a 12-year federal prison sentence for masterminding a series of daring casino heists. The astonishing crime spree, which unfolded over a mere few months, involved Rogers robbing three major casinos, one of which witnessed the brazen brandishing of his service firearm.
Prosecutors revealed during the trial that Rogers’ motivation for these crimes stemmed from a severe gambling addiction, which had left him in dire financial straits. His gambling woes were cited as the driving force behind his audacious heists.
He executed the heist with a signature dark ensemble, complete with the mask, and headed directly to the casino’s cashier cage. There, he demanded money while strategically keeping his hand inside his pocket to create the illusion of a concealed weapon. The cashier, intimidated by his actions, handed over approximately $73,810, primarily in $20 and $100 bills. Despite making a clean getaway, security cameras captured an unusual detail: Rogers’ distinctive gait, which indicated that he couldn’t run.
Several weeks later, on January 6, 2022, Rogers targeted the Aliante Casino & Hotel in North Las Vegas. This time, he arrived in a white Volkswagen hatchback and, with his hand hidden in his pocket, demanded money from the cashier, leaving with about $11,500. Security footage at the scene unveiled the same peculiar walk.
In the following month, on February 27, 2022, Rogers made his third audacious attempt, this time at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, situated near the Las Vegas Strip. In the early hours, he entered the casino, demanding that two employees hand over the money they were loading into drawers in a sports book area. His actions took a violent turn when he “climbed over the counter, grabbed one of the women by her shoulders with both hands, and shoved her to the floor.” As an employee set off an alarm, Rogers attempted to flee but was apprehended by security personnel. During the confrontation, he brandished a silver firearm, with his finger inside the trigger guard, threatening to discharge it. His service revolver, partially concealed with a yellow sticker, was traced back to the police department. A black drawstring bag containing $78,898 was also discovered in his possession.
In a chilling post-arrest interview, Rogers was asked whether there was anything that could have deterred him from committing these audacious robberies. His response was succinct: “Nothing.”
As of the time of reporting, neither Mr. Rogers’ lawyer nor the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department had provided immediate comments. Rogers had been on unpaid suspension and held in custody since his arrest, as reported by The Associated Press.
This sensational story serves as a stark reminder of how addiction can lead individuals down a path of criminality, even those who were entrusted with upholding the law. Caleb M. Rogers’ fall from grace highlights the dramatic consequences of a gambling addiction and the profound impact it can have on one’s life and career.
