Missouri Casino Heist: $1.3 Million Stolen, Suspect Still At Large
Posted on: March 31, 2026, 07:20h.
Last updated on: March 31, 2026, 07:20h.
- Two masked suspects steal $1.3 million in Isle of Capri Boonville robbery
- Employee accused of planning crime and using explosives as diversion
- Second suspect remains at large as investigation continues in Missouri
Authorities in Missouri are continuing their search for a man suspected of involvement in last Wednesday’s brazen daytime robbery at the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, where two masked thieves escaped with roughly $1.3 million in cash.
The suspect has been identified by Missouri State Highway Patrol as Hollis C. Vanleer Jr., 20, of Normal, Ill., who is considered armed and dangerous. His alleged accomplice, Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, 21, of Columbia, Mo., an employee of the casino, was arrested Friday.
According to a probable cause statement filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the robbery took place at around 2:13 p.m., when two individuals dressed in black clothing, face masks, hats, and sunglasses entered the casino armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a semi-automatic pistol.
Breaking the Bank
The suspects moved quickly to the casino floor, vaulted over the cashier cage, and entered the main bank area. Once inside, they allegedly opened a drawer and removed approximately $1,276,000 in cash, stuffing it into a black duffel bag.
As they tried to flee, a casino patron tackled one of the suspects near the exit. Authorities say a struggle ensued during which the suspect’s disguise was partially knocked off. The second suspect allegedly intervened, striking the patron multiple times in the face and head.
The suspects escaped in a gold 1998 Ford Taurus, which was later found abandoned in neighboring Howard County. A search of the vehicle the following day uncovered a receipt for a purchase that had been made using a card belonging to Charles, along with seven homemade explosive devices, according to investigators.
Authorities also linked Charles to a firearm recovered at the scene. Records associated with the weapon, including a phone number used in its purchase, also pointed to Charles, the report states.
Inside Job
On the evening of March 26, Missouri Gaming Commission officers identified Charles as a casino employee who was on duty at the time, and he was detained.
During questioning, authorities say Charles admitted to having planned the robbery for approximately one month. He told investigators that explosive devices were used as a diversion before the robbery and that he later transported the stolen money and rifle out of the state in an effort to dispose of evidence.
Charles now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, armed criminal action, possession of explosive weapons, and tampering with physical evidence.
The investigation is ongoing.
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