Alleged Boonville casino robber pleads not guilty in first court appearance
Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles pleaded not guilty to charges related to the Isle of Capri Casino robbery in Boonville.Summary
Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, 21, of Columbia, pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence during his first court appearance on Tuesday. The charges stem from a robbery at the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville on March 25, where approximately $1.28 million was stolen. Court documents indicate Charles and Hollis Vanleer Jr., 20, of Normal, Illinois, entered the casino armed and allegedly took the money. A casino patron attempted to intervene and was assaulted by Vanleer. Charles, identified as a casino employee, allegedly confessed to planning the robbery for a month and purchasing homemade explosives. Authorities are still searching for Vanleer and the stolen funds. Charles is held on a $1.3 million bond.
(Source：ABC17News.com)