According to police, five people were arrested in New Jersey for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery from Caesar's hotel and casino in Atlantic City on July 21. Two 19-year-olds, two 20-year-olds and one 23-year-old were arrested for their suspected connection with the crime. Local reports claim that one of the suspects was formerly employed as a security guard at the casino. The New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau headed the investigation.
Investigators say that around 6:20 a.m., two people donning masks and gloves held up a firearm and stole two boxes containing more than $180,000 from the casino. The two suspects reportedly fled the scene in a sedan. Investigators claim that their leads helped them obtain warrants to search homes in Pleasantville and Atlantic City, where they recovered a significant portion of the money and some clothing that is believed to have been worn during the robbery.
Police arrested the five men on criminal charges that included receiving stolen property, weapons offenses, aggravated assault and robbery. At the time of the report, state police were withholding specific details concerning the charges, as the investigation was still ongoing. Investigators from the gaming bureau were collaborating with agencies in the area in an effort to recover more evidence or potential co-conspirators. The five suspects may benefit from meeting with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
People who are accused of violent crimes may face harsh penalties in New Jersey. Legal counsel may be able to help people facing felonies avoid prison time by challenging the merits of the case or the integrity of the evidence brought forth by prosecutors. Uncovering misconduct by police or a breach in the chain of custody while handling evidence may be enough to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Source: NJ.com, "Caesars armed robbery in Atlantic City ends with 5 arrests", Greg Adomaitis, July 30, 2014