Three Charged in Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Kidnap, Robbery, Murder Plot

Posted on: May 22, 2026, 02:13h. 

Last updated on: May 22, 2026, 02:13h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Three suspects indicted in deadly Harrah’s Cherokee kidnapping conspiracy
  • Burned vehicle in Spartanburg tied to interstate robbery and murder plot
  • Federal indictment reveals casino date allegedly used to lure victim

Nearly a year after a burned vehicle and a body were discovered on a remote road in Spartanburg County, S.C., federal prosecutors allege the death was the result of an interstate kidnapping and robbery plot.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Mequez Bernard Geer, Spartanburg County murder, federal kidnapping indictment, burned vehicle investigation
The victim was lured to the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, above, on the pretext of a date, but the purpose was to rob him, according to prosecutors. (Image: Getty)

A federal grand jury this week indicted three people — Elisa Marie Rosario, 33; Jeremy Todd Lark, also known as “Jeremy Abdul Wakil Jones,” 42; and Kezayvian Lee Campbell, 19 — in connection with the June 2025 killing of Mequez Bernard Geer, 34, of Anderson, S.C.

Geer, a father of six, was lured to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, N.C., under the pretext of a date with Rosario, according to the indictment. Prosecutors allege the group intended to rob Geer of money, jewelry, his cellphone and a rented 2025 Hyundai Genesis.

While Rosario allegedly persuaded Geer to travel to the casino, Lark and Campbell remained at a Roebuck residence with two firearms, latex gloves, and a mask prosecutors say were intended for use in the robbery.

Deadly Honeytrap

After meeting at the casino and spending time together, Rosario allegedly convinced Geer to drive her to a secluded area where the others were waiting. According to the indictment, Campbell then exited Lark’s vehicle and entered Geer’s rental car.

Prosecutors allege the defendants, traveling in two vehicles, kidnapped and robbed Geer before transporting him across state lines into South Carolina. During the robbery and kidnapping, prosecutors say, Geer was fatally shot.

At around 11.55 p.m. the following evening, Spartanburg police and firefighters responded to reports of a vehicle on fire. Inside, they found Geer’s charred body.

Federal authorities reconstructed the alleged conspiracy through cellphone records, vehicle movements and physical evidence recovered in both North and South Carolina.

Prosecutors allege the defendants communicated with Geer before the trip to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, traveled in two vehicles tied to the case and later discarded the victim’s belongings along roads in Sylva and Spartanburg County.

Multiple Charges

The trio faces charges including robbery, kidnapping resulting in death, interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, destruction or concealment of evidence to prevent seizure and obstruction of justice.

The indictment also accuses Rosario of making false statements to FBI agents during the investigation. If convicted, all three defendants could face life in prison.

“The alleged actions of these defendants show a dark and devious scheme that crossed state lines and ultimately resulted in death,” U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones as we take this step toward justice.”