Published on: June 22, 2026, 06:23h.
Updated on: June 22, 2026, 06:23h.
The FBI has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the capture of fugitive Hollis Vanleer Jr., who is deemed armed and potentially dangerous.
According to prosecutors, two masked individuals employed diversionary explosions before absconding with around $1.276 million from the Isle of Capri Casino in Missouri.
Suspected accomplice Benjamin Charles informed law enforcement that the stolen funds were moved out of state, but it remains uncertain if any of the cash has been retrieved.
The FBI has put forth a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of a man linked to the bold $1.3 million heist at the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Missouri.
Hollis Vanleer Jr., who is 20 years old, has been on the run since police reported he fled the casino on March 25 alongside alleged accomplice Benjamin Charles, who was taken into custody the following day.
The FBI has cautioned that Vanleer, believed to have links to Chicago and Normal, Illinois, is considered armed and should not be approached by civilians.
He is described as standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing between 180 and 230 pounds, and has a tattoo on his left hand, as per the FBI wanted poster.
Diversionary Explosions
On March 25 at around 2:13 p.m., two masked individuals dressed in black entered the casino while a series of diversionary explosions were reported outside, according to court documents. One was armed with an AR-15-style rifle, while the other wielded a semi-automatic pistol.
Investigative reports indicate that the suspects made a beeline for the cashier area, jumped over the counter, and accessed the casino’s main bank storage. Once inside, they allegedly opened a cash drawer and stuffed an estimated $1.276 million into a black duffel bag.
As the suspects attempted to flee, a patron at the casino tackled one of them near an exit. During the struggle, part of the suspect’s disguise was reportedly removed.
The second suspect allegedly intervened, repeatedly striking the patron in the head and face before both managed to escape.
Reports state that the duo fled in a gold 1998 Ford Taurus, which was later found abandoned in nearby Howard County.
Inside Job
A search of the abandoned vehicle revealed a purchase receipt linked to a card belonging to Charles, along with seven homemade explosive devices.
Authorities connected Charles to a firearm discovered at the scene via records regarding the weapon, including a phone number used during its acquisition, according to court filings.
On the evening of March 26, officers from the Missouri Gaming Commission identified Charles as a casino employee and confirmed he was working during the robbery.
During interrogation, Charles confessed to plotting the robbery for about a month and stated he and Vanleer, whom he identified as the second suspect, had moved the stolen cash out of state. He disclosed the location of the money to law enforcement, but it is unclear from public court documents if it has been recovered.
Charles faces charges of first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and evidence tampering. Vanleer is charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and first-degree assault.
The bond for both individuals is set at $1.3 million, according to court documentation.