Las Vegas police officer Caleb Rogers, 35, has been convicted on all counts of stealing nearly $165,000 during a series of casino heists, including one where he used his department-issued weapon. The federal jury reached a verdict after just over three hours of deliberation. Rogers, who brandished a revolver during the third heist in February 2022, now faces a potential life sentence. U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon has scheduled his sentencing for October.
Juror Lloyd Dickerson stated that the decision was reached using common sense, as all the evidence and testimonies pointed to Rogers’ guilt. Rogers, seated next to his attorney, showed no emotion as the verdict was read in the courtroom. His lawyer, Richard Pocker, plans to appeal the conviction. Rogers has been on unpaid leave without police powers since his arrest, and his future with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will be determined after an internal investigation.
During the trial, Rogers’ younger brother, Josiah Rogers, testified against him for over three hours, providing a clear picture of their involvement in the first heist. Josiah claimed to have only participated in that robbery, while Caleb carried out the other two alone, according to prosecutors. Throughout the weeklong trial, the prosecution portrayed Rogers as a gambling addict burdened by mounting debts, who used his law enforcement knowledge to his advantage.
Testimonies from casino employees revealed the lasting impact of the robberies. A security guard, who wrestled with Rogers for his loaded weapon during one of the heists, expressed his ongoing fear for his family’s safety. Similarly, a 63-year-old cashier admitted to feeling constantly on edge while handling cash at work. Assistant U.S. attorney David Kiebler argued that the evidence in all three robberies pointed to Caleb Rogers as the perpetrator.
Pocker, Rogers’ defense attorney, countered the prosecution’s claims, labeling the majority of the evidence as circumstantial and convenient for a police department struggling to solve the other robberies. Despite the defense’s arguments, the jury found Rogers guilty on all counts.
The case highlights the impact of gambling addiction and the lengths individuals may go to in order to alleviate their financial burdens. The upcoming sentencing in October will determine the severity of Rogers’ punishment.