Las Vegas cop could get life behind bars for robbing casinos at gunpoint

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer made his initial appearance in federal court this week after being charged with robbing a casino. Caleb Mitchell Rogers, 33, was arrested on February 27. He is charged 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.

According to allegations in the complaint, the attempted armed robbery inside the Las Vegas casino went down on February 27.

Not exactly the sophisticated, elaborate casino heist depicted in the classic Las Vegas film Oceans 11, Rogers 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 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.

Rogers has been a Las Vegas officer since 2015. Police Officer Larry Hadfield, a department spokesman, said Rogers is on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and internal affairs investigations. ~ KVVU-TV

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).

Rogers has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 24.  He’s currently being held without bail.

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.

So far it appears that the Las Vegas police officer gambled, and the house won.

(Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nevada)
(Caleb Mitchell Rogers, mugshot, Image credit: LVMPD)

~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter