Published on: June 4, 2026, 07:17h.
Updated on: June 4, 2026, 07:17h.
- FBI initiates nationwide search for suspect in casino heist
- Perpetrators reportedly stole $1.3 million in a brazen casino robbery
- Casino staff member accused of orchestrating the robbery
The FBI has taken over the search for Hollis Vanleer, the 20-year-old suspect implicated in the spectacular $1.3 million theft from the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Missouri, which occurred in March, as reported by local radio station KSSZ.
Officials caution that Vanleer is armed and poses a danger; the public is advised not to approach him. Anyone who has knowledge of his location is urged to contact the FBI.
Vanleer, a resident of Normal, Illinois, faces serious charges including first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and first-degree assault in Cooper County, Missouri.
Also charged in this investigation is alleged accomplice Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, a 21-year-old casino employee from Columbia, Missouri, who was detained on March 27, just two days following the robbery.
The Casino Attack
At roughly 2:13 p.m. on March 25, two men dressed in dark clothing and masked to conceal their identities stormed the casino amid a series of explosions. They possessed an AR-15-style rifle and a semi-automatic pistol, as detailed in court documents.
Reports indicate the two men headed straight for the casino floor, scaled the cashier cage, and accessed the main bank area. Inside, they allegedly unlocked a cash drawer and made off with around $1.276 million, stuffing the cash into a black duffel bag.
While attempting to escape, a casino attendee confronted one of the suspects at the exit. Officials allege a struggle ensued, during which part of the suspect’s disguise was dislodged.
The second suspect allegedly assisted his partner, assaulting the patron repeatedly.
The suspects fled in a gold 1998 Ford Taurus, which was later found abandoned in nearby Howard County.
The next day, investigators examining the vehicle reportedly discovered a purchase receipt linked to a card owned by Charles and seven improvised explosive devices.
Authorities also established a connection between Charles and a firearm found at the scene. Records related to the weapon, including a phone number used for its purchase, led investigators to him.
Inside Job Uncovered
On the evening of March 26, officers from the Missouri Gaming Commission identified Charles as a casino employee who was on duty during the time of the heist. He was detained for further questioning.
Charles reportedly confessed to planning the robbery for about a month, stating that explosive devices were employed as a distraction prior to the heist. He later transported the stolen money and rifle out of state with the intent of destroying evidence.
He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, armed criminal action, possession of explosive weapons, and tampering with physical evidence.
It remains unclear whether any of the stolen funds have been recovered.