Casino Crime Round Up: N.J. Man Convicted of Violent Robbery

• Gambling
• 28 May 2024

Last week, a man was convicted for attacking and stealing from another man who had won a $20K jackpot in New Jersey. 

Following their discussions, the jurors determined that Robert Reed, 51, from Newark, N.J., was guilty of second-degree robbery, third-degree offenses of aggravated assault and theft by unlawful taking, in addition to fourth-degree unlawful weapon possession. 

According to NJ.com, a regional news source, Reed may be sentenced to five to ten years in prison when Superior Court Judge Dorothy Garrabrant issues his sentence on July 18. 

On March 3, Reed observed the intended victim, referred to in police reports as “D.H.”, win the money while they were both seated at a poker table in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. 

Reed became friends with the man.

The following morning, he spotted the winner as they both were checking out of a hotel at the gaming venue. 

Reed stated that he had just missed a bus and required a lift to a nearby bus station. The winner of the jackpot consented, and the two individuals started walking to the winner’s vehicle, which was stationed in a casino parking area. 

Hit With Wine Bottle 

However, en route, Reed hit the individual in the head with a wine bottle, according to police. The police stated that he subsequently took the cash and various belongings from the victim before escaping. 

The victim sustained lacerations on his head due to the assault. They were not considered to pose a threat to life. 

New Jersey police were notified and successfully identified Reed as a suspect by examining casino surveillance footage and using Reed's player’s card. 

This week, Reed stays detained at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. 

South Carolina Gaming Bust 

A man from South Carolina was taken into custody on 22 charges last week following a gambling operation bust. 

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) filed charges against Bruce Leon Moore, III, 25, for one count of maintaining a gaming house and 21 counts of illegal possession/operation of a slot, video, vending machine, or gambling device on May 21. 

During the operation, officials found five Pot-O-Gold-type gambling machines and two fish-style gaming devices, as reported by South Carolina TV station WSPA. 

The well-known gambling establishment was situated in Greenwood, S.C. 

Moore was detained in the Greenwood County Detention Center and subsequently was released from custody. 

The matter was handed over to local prosecutors. 

It remains uncertain whether additional individuals will face charges in the case.