Two Men Indicted for Robbery of Isle of Capri Casino

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their role in a robbery at a casino in Boonville, Mo. earlier this year.

Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, of Columbia, Mo., and Hollis Cortez Vanleer of Normal, Ill., were charged with various counts relating to the robbery of the Isle of Capri Casino, including conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and a substantive charge of interfering with commerce by robbery. Additionally, both Charles and Vanleer are charged with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Vanleer is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on March 25, 2026, Charles and Vanleer are alleged to have driven to, parked, and entered the Isle of Capri Casino dressed in black and wearing hats, glasses, and face coverings. One defendant was carrying an AR style rifle, and the other was carrying a 9mm pistol as they made their way through the casino to the main bank area where money was kept. Both took money out of a cash drawer, placed it into a duffel bag, then jumped back over the front counter, ran through the casino, out the front door, and then jumped in their car and drove away. The total amount taken in the robbery was $1,275,999.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Boonville, Missouri Police Department, Cooper County Sheriff's Department, and Howard County Sheriff's Department.