FBI Offers Reward for Fugitive Suspect in $1.3 Million Missouri Casino Heist

• FBI offers up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of fugitive Hollis Vanleer Jr., who is considered armed and dangerous
• Prosecutors say two masked men used diversionary explosions before stealing approximately $1.276 million from the Isle of Capri Casino in Missouri
• Alleged accomplice Benjamin Charles told investigators the stolen cash was transported out of state, though it remains unclear whether any money has been recovered

The FBI is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man accused of involvement in the audacious $1.3 million robbery of the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Mo.

Hollis Vanleer Jr., 20, has been a fugitive since police say he fled the casino March 25 with alleged accomplice Benjamin Charles, an employee of the casino who was arrested a day later.

The FBI warns Vanleer, who is believed to have ties to Chicago and Normal, Ill., is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public.

The suspect is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing between 180 and 230 pounds, with a tattoo on his left hand, according to the FBI wanted poster.

Diversionary Explosions

At approximately 2:13 p.m. on March 25, two masked men dressed in black entered the casino as a series of diversionary explosions erupted outside, according to court filings. One was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and the other with a semi-automatic pistol.

Investigators say the pair headed straight for the cashier cage, vaulted over the counter, and gained access to the casino’s main bank area. Once inside, they allegedly opened a cash drawer and stuffed approximately $1.276 million into a black duffel bag.

The second suspect allegedly intervened, repeatedly punching the patron in the head and face before the pair escaped.

Investigators say the men fled in a gold 1998 Ford Taurus, which was found abandoned the following day in neighboring Howard County.

Inside Job

A search of the vehicle uncovered 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 through records associated with the weapon, including a phone number used during its purchase, according to court filings.

During questioning, Charles admitted planning the robbery for approximately one month and said that he and Vanleer, whom he identified as the second suspect, had transported the stolen cash out of the state. He also told law enforcement the location of the money, although it’s not clear from publicly available court documents whether it has been recovered.

Charles is charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence. Vanleer is charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and first-degree assault.

The bond for both suspects is set at $1.3 million, according to court records.