FBI Offers $5K Reward for Information on $1.3 Million Casino Robbery

^{The FBI released these images of Hollis C. Vanleer Jr. as part of a notice for information leading to his arrest in connection to a March robbery at the Isle of Capri Casino in Booneville, Missouri. (Photos: FBI)}

The FBI is offering a reward of $5,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of a man who allegedly robbed the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Missouri earlier this year.

Hollis C. Vanleer Jr. is accused of involvement in the robbery, which took place on March 25, 2026. He remains at large, and anyone with information can submit tips to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

Authorities Seek Second Suspect in Brazen Robbery

One casino employee, Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, has already been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the robbery. The FBI accuses Vanleer and Charles of being accomplices in the theft, which had been planned for approximately a month according to Charles's own account to investigators.

According to law enforcement officials, two masked suspects entered the Isle of Capri armed with a handgun and a rifle. The men jumped over the casino cage, made their way to the vault, and stole approximately $1,276,000 from the venue. 

During the escape, one casino customer attempted to stop the men, tackling the suspect who was holding a rifle. The other suspect then struck that patron multiple times, at which point the alleged robbers were able to flee. The second man dropped a pistol, which was recovered by officers of the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Vanleer has been charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and first-degree assault.

Vanleer Considered Armed and Dangerous

Charles was interviewed by state troopers the day following the incident. After that interview, he was taken into custody and shared information on where evidence could be found during his interview.

Investigators also found seven homemade explosive devices in a gold 1998 Ford Taurus, which was later abandoned by the suspects. According to Charles, those devices were intended as diversionary tactics during the robbery.

Police have described Vanleer as a 20-year-old Black man about 6-foot-1, with black hair and brown eyes. He also has a tattoo on his left hand.

Following the robbery, investigators revealed that Vanleer was from Normal, Illinois. They cautioned the public that he was considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Isle of Capri Robbery Part of a Broader Pattern

The size of the Isle of Capri robbery was noteworthy, it is far from the only such incident to hit American casinos in recent years.

In 2024, a married couple allegedly stole more than $650,000 from the Primm Valley Resort and Casino in Nevada. Police said that Lydia Salem leaped over the counter of the casino cashier and was able to steal money from an unattended restricted area with the help of her husband, John Salmen.

In November 2025, the off-Strip Resort at Summerlin in Las Vegas was the target of a robbery in which a gunman wearing a ballistic helmet and face mask along with a security-style jacket walked up to a casino cage with a rifle demanding money.