Elderly Couple Allegedly Steals $650K from Nevada Casino, Cites Medical Expenses
In a dramatic turn of events, an elderly married couple from Las Vegas has been accused of stealing over $650,000 in cash and casino chips from the cashier’s cage at Primm Valley Casino in Nevada. The pair, Lydia Salmen, 70, and her husband, John Salmen, 63, were arrested on July 19 after Lydia reportedly “jumped over the counter” and made off with the substantial sum.
Details of the Heist
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Lydia Salmen managed to abscond with $625,569.47 in cash, coins, and chips. Both she and her husband now face charges of theft exceeding $100,000 and attempted burglary of a business. The incident reportedly took place last week when Lydia took advantage of an unguarded cashier’s cage.
Discovery at the Salmen Residence
When officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) searched the couple’s home in Las Vegas, they found the majority of the stolen money and chips, along with bags of coins, hidden in a duffle bag. Additionally, police discovered a note from the couple’s health insurance provider indicating that certain medications were not covered, alongside a hefty bill of $12,039.41. This financial strain is believed to be the motive behind the theft, as noted in the LVMPD arrest report.
Execution of the Theft
The incident unfolded on July 18 when Lydia managed to access the cashier’s cage by navigating through a gap in the cage bars. She spent about an hour gathering the cash and chips, opening multiple drawers in search of valuables. Surveillance footage later showed her and her husband fleeing the scene in a Nissan hatchback, driving the 44 miles back to their Las Vegas home.
Previous Visits and Surveillance Evidence
Further investigations revealed that the couple had visited the casino twice before the theft: once on June 25 and again on July 18. During the earlier visit, Lydia caused what police described as a “disturbance,” claiming she was waiting for her husband. A police officer present for an unrelated reason captured the couple on body cam footage, which later helped identify them.
The surveillance footage, combined with the evidence found at their residence, including a yellow sweatshirt worn by Lydia during the June 25 visit, provided a solid case against the couple.
Casino’s Response
Brad Egnor, chief marketing officer for Affinity Interactive, the company operating Primm Valley Casino Resort, expressed gratitude towards the LVMPD for their swift action in recovering almost all the stolen money and making arrests. “We thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for swiftly recovering all but $300 and arresting several people for the theft that occurred at the Primm Valley Casino Resort on July 18,” Egnor said in a statement to KLAS.
Egnor reassured the public that the resort’s stringent security measures and the LVMPD’s quick response ensured the safety and security of their guests and staff. He emphasized the casino’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment while delivering exceptional experiences.
Legal Consequences
If convicted, Lydia and John Salmen could face significant prison sentences. The case highlights the lengths to which individuals might go when facing dire financial pressures, and it underscores the importance of stringent security measures in casino operations.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.