Two Charged After $150K Stolen from Missouri Casino

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Two people have been charged after a caller allegedly tricked a Missouri casino employee into handing over $150,000 in cash on October 25. Police recovered more than $150,000 following a traffic stop later that morning.

Charles E. Blaisdell Jr., 42, and Heaven L.R. Roberts, 21, both from St. Joseph, face one count each of receiving stolen property, a Class D felony. The charges follow an investigation into a suspected impersonation scheme targeting St. Jo Frontier Casino.

Caller Allegedly Tricks Casino Security into Releasing $150,000

The incident began around 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 25, when a casino employee received a telephone call from someone believed to be representing FedEx.

The employee informed a security supervisor about the call. The supervisor subsequently spoke with another caller who identified himself as Matthew Martinez.

During that conversation, the caller allegedly claimed that the casino’s general manager had authorized the release of money in connection with the supposed FedEx pickup.

At approximately 8:40 a.m., a black Jeep Compass bearing Missouri license plates arrived at the casino. Two minutes later, the security supervisor reportedly left the building carrying a box containing $150,000.

The supervisor handed the box to the vehicle’s male driver, according to the court documents. The driver and a female passenger then departed.

Investigators believe the callers used the appearance of an authorized delivery arrangement to obtain the money. However, there is no indication in the available court reporting that FedEx was involved in the alleged scheme.

Missouri Police Recover Casino Cash Following Highway Stop

Authorities were notified of the incident at approximately 10:30 a.m., prompting an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Gaming Division.

Investigators identified a vehicle believed to be connected to the theft and entered its information into the FLOCK license plate recognition system. The vehicle was subsequently detected traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 36.

At approximately 10:54 a.m., deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle west of Highway 63. Working alongside Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers, they conducted a traffic stop and detained the two occupants.

Deputies obtained a warrant to search the vehicle. According to initial reporting from local authorities, the search resulted in the recovery of more than $151,000, which was secured as evidence.

The amount recovered was slightly higher than the $150,000 reportedly handed over at the casino. Authorities have not publicly explained the difference between the figures.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol subsequently confirmed that more than $150,000 had been recovered during the investigation.

Two Suspects Face Felony Receiving Stolen Property Charges

The Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged Blaisdell and Roberts on October 25. Each faces one count of receiving stolen property, classified as a Class D felony under Missouri law.

Both suspects were initially held on bonds of $150,000 each. The charges are allegations, and neither individual has been convicted in connection with the incident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Gaming Division and Division of Drug and Crime Control are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.

St. Jo Frontier Casino is located on the Missouri River in St. Joseph and operates under a state gaming license. The property is owned by Affinity Interactive, which also operates Mark Twain Casino in Missouri.

The incident follows a separate Missouri casino robbery investigation earlier this year, when armed suspects allegedly stole more than $1.2 million from the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville. Authorities have not identified any connection between the two cases.

Investigators have not announced additional charges or disclosed whether any changes to the casino’s security procedures are being considered. Anyone with information about the St. Joseph incident has been asked to contact Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H at 816-387-2345.

RELATED TOPICS: Casino & Games