Suspect arrested for string of casino robberies

Suspect arrested for string of casino robberies
 By ANGELA BRANDT Independent Record

Authorities say a 46-year-old man has confessed to committing three armed robberies in East Helena, two in August and one in July.

Mark Andrew Beachem is jailed facing three felony charges of robbery. Detectives arrested Beachem on Wednesday afternoon.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton said Beachem admitted to committing the knife-point robberies at a post-arrest interview.

Beachem is accused of entering Montana Lil’s Casino on Lane Avenue on three separate occasions, each time brandishing a knife and demanding money, according to charging documents.

East Helena Police Chief Dale Aschim said investigators believed the suspect, described as a white man with brown hair covered by a bandana, lived nearby. Court documents say Beachem lived roughly two blocks away from the casino.

After two of the robberies, the suspect fled on a mountain bike. He was able to get away from authorities after each of the crimes.

Investigations by Detective Dan O’Malley and tips from the public led up to Wednesday’s arrest.

“This was solved by a partnership with community. The courage of community members helped solve this crime,” said Dutton, who extended kudos to O’Malley for exceptional detective skills.

The ground work led to a search warrant of Beachem’s East Helena home. Court documents say a shirt with a design from the rock band Rush worn in one of the robberies was located along with several wallets used by casino clerks to carry cash.

In addition, authorities say Beachem told detectives details such as what was said during the robberies and how much cash was taken. The amount of money has not been released.


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