FBI Hunting ‘Armed and Dangerous’ Isle of Capri Boonville Casino Robber
Posted on: June 4, 2026, 07:17h.
Last updated on: June 4, 2026, 07:17h.
- FBI launches nationwide manhunt for accused casino robbery mastermind
- Suspects allegedly stole $1.3 million during explosive casino heist
- Casino employee accused of helping plan robbery for months
The FBI has assumed control of the manhunt for Hollis Vanleer, the 20-year-old fugitive accused of participating in the daring $1.3 million heist on the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Mo., in March, according to local radio station KSSZ.
Authorities are warning Vanleer is armed and dangerous, should not be approached by the public, and say that anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact the FBI.
Vanleer, from Normal, Ill., has been charged by prosecutors in Missouri’s Cooper County with first degree robbery, armed criminal action and first-degree assault.
Also charged in the case is Vanleer’s alleged accomplice, Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, 21, of Columbia, Mo., an employee of the casino, who was arrested March 27, two days after the heist.
Two Men Storm Casino
At approximately 2:13 p.m. on March 25, two men dressed in black clothing and concealing their identities with face masks, hats, and sunglasses, entered the casino amid a series of explosions. They were respectively armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a semi-automatic pistol, according to court filings.
Investigators say the suspects moved directly to the casino floor, jumped over the cashier cage, and gained access to the main bank area. Once inside, they allegedly opened a cash drawer and stole approximately $1.276 million, placing the money into a black duffel bag.
As the pair attempted to flee, a casino patron tackled one of the suspects near the exit. Authorities allege a struggle followed, during which part of the suspect’s disguise was knocked loose.
The second suspect reportedly came to his accomplice’s aid, repeatedly striking the patron in the head and face.
The suspects then escaped in a gold 1998 Ford Taurus. The vehicle was later discovered abandoned in neighboring Howard County.
The following day, investigators searching the vehicle reportedly found a purchase receipt linked to a card belonging to Charles, as well as seven homemade explosive devices.
Authorities also connected Charles to a firearm recovered at the scene. According to the report, records associated with the weapon, including a phone number used during its purchase, led investigators to him.
Inside Job
On the evening of March 26, officers with the Missouri Gaming Commission identified Charles as a casino employee and discovered he was on duty. He was subsequently detained for questioning.
Investigators say Charles admitted to planning the robbery for approximately one month. He allegedly told authorities that explosive devices had been used as a diversion before the heist and that he later transported the stolen cash and rifle out of state in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Charles has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, armed criminal action, possession of explosive weapons, and tampering with physical evidence.
It is unclear if any of the money has been recovered.
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