Las Vegas, NV – In a shocking turn of events, a federal jury convicted Las Vegas police officer Caleb Rogers, 35, on Friday for his involvement in a series of brazen casino heists.
Rogers, an active-duty patrol officer at the time, was found guilty on all counts, including the theft of nearly $165,000 and the brandishing of a loaded department-issued weapon during one of the heists.
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The casino heists, which took place in February 2022, involved three separate incidents. During the third robbery, Rogers brazenly brandished a revolver, which was later revealed to be a department-issued weapon.
This act of armed robbery significantly elevated the severity of the charges against him.
The conviction, which carries serious consequences, leaves Rogers facing the possibility of a life sentence. U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon has scheduled his sentencing for October, during which the officer’s fate will be determined.
In a significant turn of events, Rogers’ younger brother, Josiah Rogers, testified against him for over three hours, providing detailed information about their involvement in the first heist.
Josiah clarified that he only participated in that particular robbery, while Caleb executed the other two heists alone.
Throughout the trial, jurors also heard from casino employees who recounted their traumatic encounters with the robber.
A security guard shared his harrowing experience of wrestling with the armed suspect, reflecting on how close he came to not making it home to his family that day.
A 63-year-old cashier admitted to feeling constant unease while handling cash at work, still haunted by the memories of the robberies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler, in his closing argument, highlighted that the evidence presented in all three robberies pointed to Caleb Rogers as the perpetrator.
However, Pocker, the defense lawyer, contested the majority of the government’s evidence, describing it as circumstantial and convenient for a police department struggling to solve the unsolved robberies.
The trial reached its conclusion after a week of proceedings, during which the prosecution depicted Rogers as a gambling addict who resorted to robbery due to mounting debts.
Prosecutors emphasized that Rogers, possessing unique knowledge and skills as a law enforcement officer, exploited his position to carry out the heists targeting casinos off the Las Vegas Strip.
The jury’s decision came after just over three hours of deliberation, with jurors relying on common sense to reach their verdict.
Lloyd Dickerson, one of the 12 jurors, revealed to The Associated Press that the evidence presented during the trial left little room for doubt about Rogers’ guilt.
Las Vegas police officer Caleb Rogers remained composed as a federal jury convicted him on all counts related to a series of casino heists, including the armed robbery where he brandished a loaded department-issued weapon.
Rogers, seated alongside his attorney, showed no emotion as the verdict was read in the courtroom.
His attorney, Richard Pocker, stated that they plan to appeal the conviction, as reported by the Associated Press.
Rogers’ actions not only violated the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer but also put the safety of innocent individuals at risk.
The conviction serves as a reminder that those who abuse their positions of authority will be held accountable for their crimes.
The Las Vegas Police Department expressed their disappointment and reiterated their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity within their ranks.
Spokesperson Amanda Thompson stated, “The actions of Officer Caleb Rogers do not reflect the values and principles upheld by the men and women of the Las Vegas Police Department. We will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing legal proceedings.”
The conviction of Officer Caleb Rogers sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate misconduct within the ranks of law enforcement.
It serves as a testament to the diligence and determination of the investigators and prosecutors involved in bringing this case to a close.
As Caleb Rogers awaits his sentencing, the public and the law enforcement community will anxiously observe how this case concludes.
The potential life sentence he faces serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that await those who betray their duty to uphold the law.
As Caleb Rogers awaits sentencing, his plans to appeal the conviction indicate that the legal battle surrounding his case is far from over.
The public’s attention remains focused on the internal investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which will ultimately determine his future within the force.
The sentencing, scheduled for October and presided over by U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon, will likely carry severe consequences for Rogers.
Until then, the disgraced officer awaits his fate, aware of the potential life sentence that hangs over him.
