Legalizing marijuana on reservations not viable solution

OUR OPINION: Legalizing marijuana on reservations not viable solution

By Korrie Wenzel 

Some American Indian reservations were dry -- meaning alcohol sales were banned -- for decades until relatively recently. South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation was dry for 124 years before it lifted its prohibition in 2013.

Why? Because some tribal members consider alcoholism a plague.

At Pine Ridge, booze was finding its way onto that reservation and troubles followed. Oddly, a year after the ban was dropped, the tribe was among the first in the nation to consider legalizing marijuana.

It's difficult for us to fathom going from an alcohol ban to legalized use of pot, for medical reasons and otherwise, within a span of a year or two.

What drives such radical thinking? More on that in a bit.

Pine Ridge still hasn't legalized marijuana, but another South Dakota reservation -- relatively near North Dakota's southern border -- has. Earlier this week, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation decided to allow the sale and recreational use of marijuana on tribal land.

The Santee tribe has a reputation for trailblazing. It was where South Dakota's first tribal casino was built, and that casino has done a bang-up business since it opened more than 25 years ago. Now, tribal casinos are the norm in South Dakota, although not all are models of business proficiency.

Sure, casinos have created a revenue source for many American Indian tribes, but they also have, at times, bred corruption and other issues in places that can little afford more strife and turmoil. A 2012 University of Maryland study showed there is a 10 percent increase in substance abuse, suicide, violent crime, theft and bankruptcy when a new casino opens in town.

What does all of this have to do with reservations putting up an "open for business" sign around verdant fields of marijuana?

Plenty, since some tribes greatly struggled with vices, and especially corruption, booze and gambling. So consider what could happen by adding marijuana to the mix of a reservation's potential evils.

A 2014 study by Lancet Psychiatry, a British journal of health research, showed teens who smoke marijuana daily are more than 60 percent less likely to complete high school than those who never use. They're also 60 percent less likely to graduate from college and seven times more likely to attempt suicide.

What are some of the most notable social troubles that exist on reservations? Poor educational results and suicide.

We know. We're simply assuming more societal issues will come the way of reservations if marijuana sales and use are approved. And it's also true the aforementioned research only studied teens, who would not legally have access to the otherwise legalized pot.

But still we ask: Why would reservations consider legalizing the harvesting and sale of marijuana, considering the troubles that already exist on many reservations?

Money, of course. And the new windfall wouldn't make it right for these sovereign nations who can, evidently, pursue this path.

Nor do we foresee it being the financial salvation of reservations, just as casinos haven't been the cure for all reservations' financial woes.

We don't see legalized marijuana as a way to improve reservation graduation rates or reduce the number of suicides on reservations. We don't foresee it reducing the number of gangs, nor do we foresee it alleviating reservation substance-abuse issues.

However, we do foresee it creating a burden on law-enforcement agencies, both on the reservation and off.

Reservations should strongly consider what, exactly, they're getting into before legalizing marijuana growth and use.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/opinion/op-ed-columns/3770402-our-opinion-legalizing-marijuana-reservations-not-viable-solution

Police: Couple arrested after leaving children in car while gambling

       

By Mark Walker and Danielle Ferguson 9:39 a.m. CDT July 9, 2014

 

From left, Nathan Dale Ostermeier and Betsy Rae Hansen appear in court Tuesday.(Photo: Elisha Page / Argus Leader)

 

 

A Dell Rapids couple left a baby and two young girls in a car unattended while they gambled at a Sioux Falls casino early Tuesday, police said.
 

Nathan Dale Ostermeier, 29, and Betsy Rae Hansen, 26, each was charged with three counts of abuse or neglect of a minor.

Sioux Falls police received a call about 1 a.m. Tuesday from someone who reported seeing kids alone in a vehicle outside the Deuces Casino at 317 N. West Ave.

The caller told police a couple had been taking turns watching the kids while gambling for about two hours, but eventually left the girls, ages 5 and 7, along with an 8-month-old baby, alone in the vehicle, police spokesman Sam Clemens said.
 

The witness guessed the girls had been alone about 30 minutes before he called police. Officers found the 5-year-old girl crying and screaming while the baby and older girl slept, Clemens said.

Janette Fennell, founder and president of the advocacy group KidsAndCars.org, said it isn't the first time she's heard about kids being left in a car outside a casino.

"Some kids have died in a car while their parents gambled. You know when you go into a casino, kids aren't allowed. (Parents) more knowingly do it. It's very reckless and certainly has something to do with a gambling addiction," Fennell said.

Clemens said it was fortunate that the incident happened at night when heat was not a risk to the girls, who were taken into care by the Division of Child Protection Services.

South Dakota Department of Social Services spokeswoman Kristin
Kellar said when children are found in unsafe situations, law enforcement first looks to place the children with relatives.

If relatives are not an option, law enforcement may seek emergency custody from the courts. Child Protective Services would then look for a foster care placement while continuing to look for relatives, she said.

Ostermeier also was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after officers found methamphetamine in his pants pocket. Police suspect the couple had been using methamphetamine, Clemens said.

Ostermeier and Hansen appeared in court Tuesday.

Judge Natalie Damgaard set bond at $1,000 for Hansen and at $2,500 for Ostermeier.

Amanda Eden, a deputy state's attorney for Minnehaha County, told Damgaard that when being interviewed by police, Ostermeier and Hansen "seemed like they care more about gambling than they did the children."

http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/crime/2014/07/08/police-couple-arrested-leaving-children-car-gambled/12361929/

...“the fox guarding the henhouse”....

Other Voices: State study on gambling is overdue
Posted: Friday, March 14, 2014

Lottery officials are proposing a comprehensive study on gambling addiction in South Dakota, the first such study in 15 years in our state, which relies heavily on proceeds from gambling.

But some members of the state Legislature say letting the South Dakota Lottery conduct the study seems akin to “the fox guarding the henhouse,” in the words of Rep. Scott Craig, R-Rapid City.

Let’s first note that a study like this is overdue. We have said many times we’re not against gambling, but we are against expansion of gambling. We feel it’s irresponsible of state government to constantly look at ways to increase gambling revenue, and we have been vocal with our concerns. We know of people who are desperately addicted and have ruined their lives over gambling.

Earlier this year, Lottery Commission Executive Director Norm Lingle told a Senate committee that video lottery revenue in the state is stagnant, and that “we need to get the younger folks involved.”

We don’t agree whatsoever with that thinking. We understand that gambling and the lottery mean jobs in South Dakota, and we’re all for keeping it where it’s at. But expansion is another story, and peddling it to a younger generation is just distasteful.

So yes, we do agree that a study on gambling addiction would be helpful as South Dakota considers what to do with gambling in the future. And yes, we definitely side with Rep. Craig on this one — the study should happen, but it should be conducted by an outside, independent agency.

— Mitchell Daily Republic

http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/opinion/other-voices-state-study-on-gambling-is-overdue/article_1db8696a-664b-5225-9585-3e6a5c4343d8.html

Jury trial set in Deadwood gaming squabble

Jury trial set in Deadwood gaming squabble

July 20, 2013 5:00 am • Tom Griffith Journal staff

 

DEADWOOD | Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Warren Johnson has set a Nov. 20 jury trial over a three-year squabble between two Deadwood gaming companies.

In September 2010, Hickok’s Inc. sued Four Aces Holding Co., former Gold Dust owner William Wohlers and his Legacy Gaming Inc., seeking unspecified damages over failed agreements made between the companies to route slot machines in their Deadwood gaming halls. Wohlers countersued, seeking $342,226 in damages.

Attorney Roger Tellinghuisen, who represents Wohlers and Legacy Gaming, said Friday the complex case revolves around a Gold Dust agreement to route slots and manage Hickok’s gaming action. Part of the agreement included replacement of slot machines and reimbursement of monies to the cage at the completion of the routing arrangement, he said.

When Four Aces and principal Jeff Lamont purchased the Gold Dust, it assumed the routing agreement, Tellinghuisen explained. Later, Four Aces terminated the routing agreement, but said it was unaware of provisions requiring it to replace slot machines and reimburse the Hickok’s cage.

“The fight is over who is responsible to replace the machines and money in the cage,” Tellinghuisen said. “It’s Bill Wohlers’ position that that is Four Aces’ responsibility, and Four Aces says it isn’t their responsibility because they were unaware of the agreement,” the attorney said.

To complicate the issue, defendant Wohlers, an Iowa businessman, acquired a third interest in Hickok’s, which is now suing him. In his counterclaim, Wohlers seeks payment of approximately $120,000 in promissory notes that Hickok’s assigned to the shareholders from whom Wohlers had purchased his interest.

Tellinghuisen said parties to the lawsuit may try mediation prior to the court date, but added he expects the case to be brought before a jury in November.

Rapid City attorney Courtney Clayborne, who represents Hickok’s, was unavailable for comment.


http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/lead-deadwood/jury-trial-set-in-deadwood-gaming-squabble/article_bd7082ef-3602-5cdc-a8ce-ee90d18550a9.html
 

Deadwood: Exhausting the Supply of Gambling Addicts?

Deadwood casino revenue down compared to last February
March 29, 2013   • Aaron Orlowski Journal staff

Surging table gambling revenue — a trend since the bet limit increased from $100 to $1,000 last July — wasn't able to compensate for a 5.7 percent dip in slot machine revenue in February when compared to February 2012, according to numbers released this week by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.

Since the vast majority of casino revenue comes from slot machines, a 21 percent increase in table games couldn't make up for the dip that saw gross revenue drop 2.9 percent from $8.1 million last February to $7.9 million this February.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/lead-deadwood/deadwood-casino-revenue-down-compared-to-last-february/article_e1cc05a5-152d-5d5f-931d-ae0b5b4e017c.html

 

More $$$, not from addicts

The blood from a stone approach because states are addicted to Gambling Revenues!

Published August 16, 2012

OUR VIEW: Gam[b]ling revenue needs boost, but not from addicts

We are all for boosting gambling revenue in South Dakota, but we hope it is done tastefully, and without taking advantage of the people who may have a problem with gambling addiction.

By: Editorial board, The Daily Republic

We generally have been against increases in lotteries, lotto games and video lottery gaming in general.

Whereas we don’t mind the number of such games and devices already present in the state, we haven’t felt there is a great need to add to the gambling menu, so to speak.

By no means are we against gambling. We, too, have been known to play a lottery ticket, drop a few bucks in a local video lottery machine or enjoy an evening on Main Street in Deadwood.

But when all of these options already exist, why make changes or increases that further tantalize people who may have a gambling problem?

At least that’s been our opinion over the years.

Thursday, The Daily Republic reported that South Dakota lottery officials are developing a strategy to help boost revenue for video gambling establishments, which have reported declining revenue since a smoking ban went into effect in South Dakota.

Among the ideas are machines that offer “penny play” — or gambling for one cent — and payouts greater than the present 92 percent. Also, cash acceptors for $50 and $100 bills could become reality, and a new person could be hired to better help develop state lottery strategies.

The problem is that gambling revenue is down, and that’s painful not only to the lottery establishments but also the state, which takes a cut. We reported Thursday that net machine income is running at 1996 levels.

Is it because of the smoking ban or simply because of the economic downturn? That’s debatable, we suppose, but arguments could be made for both.

Of the new ideas, we especially like the “penny play” plan. It is one that could instantly generate more traffic in lottery establishments.

We also like the idea of hiring a new deputy lottery director. The right person could bring new ideas and focus mostly on new revenue. The position would pay for itself.

We aren’t so excited about $100 acceptors. We feel gambling, albeit a major contributor to our economy, should still be promoted and advertised as entertainment. Adding large-bill acceptors seems to hint at something bigger than just a casual pastime.

It’s good to have these talks, and perhaps some new ideas can get revenue back to more appropriate and acceptable levels. Lottery establishment owners deserve a chance to get back some of that lost revenue, and the state needs it, too.

We are all for boosting gambling revenue in South Dakota, but we hope it is done tastefully, and without taking advantage of the people who may have a problem with gambling addiction.


http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/event/article/id/69014/

Survey affirms that gambling addiction is not about the money

Survey affirms that gambling addiction is not about the money
By KAREN HERZOG Bismarck Tribune BismarckTribune.com


Gambling addiction is not about the money, but about escaping difficult and negative feelings.

That is according to a new survey by an assistant professor and program coordinator at North Dakota State University at Fargo.

Lisa Vig, who is the director of Lutheran Social Services’ Gamblers Choice treatment program, said that this analysis verifies what Lutheran Social Services has observed during 25 years of treating compulsive gamblers.

“Although many gamblers are motivated early on by winning money, the addiction is really about escaping negative feelings and difficult life experiences,” said Vig, in a release.

Lutheran Social Services gambling counselor Dawn Cronin has worked in this field for 19 years.

People who call to seek treatment will talk about the rush or the excitement that goes with gambling, she said. These are risk-takers, people who live on the edge, and the risk of gambling feels desirable, she said.

Others are seeking to numb out, looking for escape from the difficulties in their lives, Cronin said.

The new survey is called “North Dakota Problem Gamblers Characteristics, 2006-2012,” and was recently completed by WooMi Phillips, Ph.D., of NDSU.

Phillips’ survey also discovered that 29 percent of the 136 problem gamblers surveyed also had sought treatment for other addictions before seeking help for gambling. Many problem gamblers who enter the Lutheran Social Services Gamblers Choice program report they have already “conquered” another addiction, only to move on to develop a gambling addiction problem, Vig said.

Normally, gamblers who come into Lutheran Social Services are pretty evenly divided between men and women, Cronin said. The most common ages for those seeking help are between 40 and 55, she said.

“The female gambler often starts later in life,” she said. Middle age can bring stressors such as an empty nest, the grief of losing someone, or marriage problems. Women also get into trouble with gambling quicker than men, but seek help sooner, she said.

“Males often start gambling earlier in life (and) gamble longer,” Cronin said. “It’s a progressive disease for those who are addicted.”

At middle age, men have often reached their max-out point in terms of credit, she said; “once the money runs out ... something needs to change.”

Lutheran Social Services sees a fairly even split among gamblers who prefer casino games, such as slots, and charitable gambling like pulltabs or blackjack, she said.

And even once people stop spending money on gambling, “until they get strong and develop better coping mechanisms, (compulsive) shopping is something gamblers have to watch out for,” Cronin said.

Cronin said that most clients call for help after trying on their own to control their gambling by gambling less frequently or limiting the amount of money they will take. Once they call, they are encouraged to come in for an assessment and get information about the outpatient gambling treatment program.

The group sessions meet three hours a night, two nights a week, and most clients attend a minimum of six months, Cronin said. Working through the 12 step program similar to other addiction recovery programs, clients do a lot of learning about the addiction, she said.

“We know a lot more about drug and alcohol abuse. Gambling is a little more hidden,” Cronin said.

While in treatment, clients are encourage to attend Gamblers Anonymous support group sessions, as well, she said.

While insurance companies rarely cover treatment for compulsive gambling, a contract through the Department of Human Services helps pay for scholarships or subsidies, Cronin said. The casinos in the state also make voluntary contributions to a treatment fund, she said.

“That’s really nice for our clients at the beginning,” Cronin said. “Most come with financial issues (so) the first month or two is covered for them. They can focus on getting caught up on rent, mortgages, insurance, those are critical.”

Further along, they can re-evaluate what they can afford to pay, she said.

“We in North Dakota have the belief that people will not be turned away for lack of funds.”

Other results from the survey:

- 84 percent of the 136 compulsive gamblers surveyed had lied to family members, friends or others in order to hide their gambling;

- 81 percent experienced preoccupation with gambling;

- 77 percent believed their gambling was a way to escape personal problems or relieve uncomfortable emotions;

- 76 percent had unsuccessfully tried to cut down or stop gambling;

- 71 percent had relied on others to pay gambling debts or pay their bills due to financial problems caused by gambling; and

- 51 percent had committed illegal acts such as writing bad checks, theft, forgery, embezzlement or fraud to finance their gambling habit.

Gamblers Choice services are available at Lutheran Social Services offices in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston. The 32-week program serves about 150 problem gamblers and their families each year.

For more information, call 877-702-7848 or visit www.lssnd.org/gamblerschoice.

Read more: http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/survey-affirms-that-gambling-addiction-is-not-about-the-money/article_3ae95dd8-67ce-11e1-8d86-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1oRB3JRcT

Video surveillance catches criminals

Video surveillance catches criminals
Holly Meyer Journal staff Rapid City Journal

Sylvester “Beaver” Pacheco is serving a 45-year sentence at the South Dakota State Penitentiary thanks largely to a video surveillance system at a Rapid City casino.

Not all the surveillance cameras in Rapid City’s video lottery casinos and convenience stores do as good a job as those that captured Pacheco in the act, according to the Rapid City Police Department, which has been working with businesses to improve the quality of their surveillance systems.

“We’ve really struggled in the past when we were still using a VHS, running tapes over and over again,” said Capt. Doug Thrash, who commands the department’s criminal investigations division. “The quality was terrible. It was so bad that it was worthless.”

Effective video surveillance, on the other hand, can often make the difference when prosecuting criminals for robberies and burglaries, he said.

“It may not break the case open, but it sure opens another door,” Thrash said.

In the case of the 38-year-old Pacheco, video played a crucial role in his arrest, conviction and lengthy prison sentence.

In late May, he robbed his first Rapid City casino. The next day, he hit a second one. Clerks described the suspect to police, but the most useful evidence was provided by the video surveillance system at Jokers Casino on Mount Rushmore Road, which is where the second robbery occurred.

Police released the video to the public and within days Pacheco, a convicted felon, was identified and arrested.

In addition to identifying him, police were able to see what Pacheco touched inside the casino, dust that space and find fingerprints, Thrash said. Without the video surveillance, the crime still might be unsolved, he added.

After a surge of crimes at casinos about three years ago, the police department started giving casino and convenience store owners guidelines for digital surveillance systems, Thrash said.

Those guidelines focus on picture quality, how long video is stored, how easily it can be exported from the system for use and whether third parties – investigators, attorneys and courts – can easily view the video.

“There is a lot of improvement," Thrash said. "I think it is something with our culture now, people expect to see the video.”

The police department recommends videos be retained for 31 days and encourages businesses to install systems that automatically transfer the video to an off-site storage or at least hide it on site to prevent tampering, Thrash said.

In the case of Jokers Casino, owner ISIS Hospitality had spent thousands of dollars upgrading surveillance systems at all its establishments in the Black Hills after the same casino was robbed several times, said Caleb Arceneaux, the company’s chief executive officer. The new system improved the image quality and added more cameras.

“It’s getting better every year, every month, every day. We need to keep up with those emerging technologies,” Arceneaux said. “It’s a worthy investment.”

Rapid City-based Golden West Technologies & Internet Solutions works with the police department to help educate customers on what systems and camera placement would effectively solve crimes, according to James Van Loan, a sales manager with the company.

“You just have to start with an evaluation and set your goals and work with organizations that help with more customizable solutions,” Van Loan said.

Cameras can range from about $300 up to $2,000 each depending on the quality and zooming capabilities, Van Loan said.

Business owners may choose a mix of cameras and point the pricier ones at the more potentially volatile locations, such as the cash registers. Instead of buying one expensive camera, business owners also will opt for several low-cost cameras and position them to cover more angles, he said.

The cost can dissuade businesses from investing in a surveillance system, which is why a consultation includes a discussion of low-cost security measures like replacing locks, improving lighting and looking at what behaviors the business owner is trying to prevent, Van Loan said.

Surveillance footage from a January armed robbery proved that businesses are installing better systems that work for law enforcement.

A man walked into the Loaf ’N Jug on West Main Street on Jan. 14 and while making no attempt to conceal his identity brandished a handgun and demanded money.

Five days later, 26-year-old Robert White Janis of Rapid City was arrested by Nebraska authorities and identified as the suspect in the robbery. The store’s surveillance system captured the crime and the suspect’s face in clear, bright video.

“I’ve never seen a video come out that nice,” Thrash said. “That is the home run.”

But even if a suspect covers his face, the video can still be useful.

Last July, video surveillance once again helped police nab a serial business burglar. This time, Jason Edwards’ mannerisms and an attempt to conceal an arm tattoo gave him away. The Rapid City man was in custody about a week after police released a video. Edwards is now serving a 29-year prison sentence.

“That allowed us to move the investigation. We may not have had that as soon or if ever without that break,” Thrash said.



Read more: http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/video-surveillance-catches-criminals/article_b5f05970-64e3-11e1-8929-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1o9vdM2F1

Sioux Falls Casino Robbed

Sioux Falls Casino Robbed by Intoxicated and Stoned Rambo
Written by: Derek Sebastian

Casino crimes happen all the time [and are generally not reported]. Usually the stakes are high. Not this time as the stories of South Dakota ....

Casinos like to hire some good security staff to take care of the property and visitors as large sums are at stake. Nevertheless, recently one Sioux Falls, South Dakota based casino was robbed of $400 by Rambo-looking but barely conscious cowboy.

According to casino gambling news, Kory S, 35, had entered Sioux Falls casino without any weapons, while barely standing on his feet after consuming large quantities of alcohol and smoking some joints.

The South Dakota spaced-out cowboy walked to the cashier, and barely speaking, demanded cash. The terrified clerk immediately handed the real casino money, but the bad news is that it was a petty $400. Then, it is rumored, Mr. S gained strength and quickly sped away for new supplies of booze and weed.

Caught and Punished For Casino Crime
Luckily for the public safety, the police proved to be less pusillanimous than casino security guards. The man was arrested the next day, but already blew most of the money on alcohol, drugs and, allegedly, on a cheap $10 crack hooker.

Since the man didn’t have a previous record of violent crimes, and was unarmed during the casino robbery, he may be able to get out of prison within two years.

Sioux Falls police arrest suspect in Crown Casino robbery

Sioux Falls police arrest suspect accused of robbing Crown Casino
By Tim Peters

On Monday, detectives of the Sioux Falls Police Department Property Crimes Section made contact with a male being held at the Minnehaha County Jail who matched the description of the suspect in the October 12, 2011 robbery of the Crown Casino at 3401 E. 10th St., Sioux Falls.

In the course of the investigation it was determined that that personSilky Aviance Richardson, 22 of Sioux Falls, was responsible for the robbery.

Richardson was arrested for one count of 1st Degree Robbery and Aggravated Assault. He was lodged at the Minnehaha County Jail.

The investigation is continuing.

Man Arrested For Holding Up Casino

Man Arrested For Holding Up Casino
By Brady Mallory

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Authorities arrested 32-year-old Richard Madetzke just hours after he's accused of holding up the Little Vegas Casino, attached to the Liebrary Bar.

Police say Madetzke was turned in by someone who he owed money to. Investigators haven't determined whether he's connected to other crimes.

"That's one of the things we're looking into to see if he's had any involvement with any of the other robberies as well. It's way too soon to say. It's certainly something we're looking at," Officer Sam Clemens of the Sioux Falls Police said.

Madetzke is charged with second degree robbery. A background check shows he's also been in trouble for burglary in the past.

Police seek suspect in Ken's Korner casino robbery

Police seek suspect in Ken's Korner casino robbery [video]

Robbery reported at Paradise Casino

Argus 911: Robbery reported this morning at Paradise Casino

A casino robbery this morning brings the city's total to 37 this year.

Police responded at 10:15 a.m. today to a report of a robbery at the Paradise Casino, 5109 W. 12th St.

The suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, 6-foot, 180 pounds, and wearing and hat and wig.

He gave the clerk a note informing her he was robbing the casino, according to a police report written by Sgt. Aaron Nyberg. After taking the money, the suspect left the casino on foot out the back door. The investigation is ongoing.

SD casino robbery suspect could face life

SD casino robbery suspect could face life

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Nebraska man accused of traveling to South Dakota to rob Sioux Falls casinos at least four times this past summer could face life in prison if convicted.

The Argus Leader reports (http://bit.ly/qw0O6N ) that Minnehaha County prosecutors have filed a motion to charge 49-year-old Terrance Davenport of Omaha as a habitual criminal, enhancing his possible punishment if he is found guilty. Davenport faces four counts of a first-degree robbery charge that normally carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Davenport is accused of using a handgun in the robberies, and using zip ties to bind the hands of clerks in some cases. He was on parole for 2004 robberies at Sioux Falls jewelry stores when the casino robberies took place. Prosecutors say he has an extensive criminal background.

Crime of the Week: Casino Robbery

Crime of the Week: Casino Robbery

The Sioux Falls Police Department would like the public’s help finding those responsible for the armed robbery of Dollar Bill’s Casino, located at 4914 North Cliff Avenue, on Wednesday June 15th. The suspect entered the casino armed with a gun and demanded the money at about 8:30am. The suspect is described as a white male in his thirties, about 5’-9” and 165 pounds with scruffy blond hair, wearing a red and white plaid shirt and blue jeans.

Crime of the Week: Casino Robbery

Crime Stoppers
Title: Crime of the Week: Casino Robbery
The Sioux Falls Police Department would like the public’s help finding those responsible for an armed robbery at the Martini Casino, 4823 South Louise Avenue.
The robber entered the business, brandished a gun, demanded money, and left with cash. The suspect was described as a white man in his 40s, brown hair, 160 lbs., and bad teeth. He was wearing a blue button-up shirt and blue jeans.

Casinos responsible for security

Casinos responsible for security

It's unfortunate that neighborhood casinos have been the target of several armed robberies over the past year.

But casino owners shouldn't expect the Rapid City Police Department to serve as their personal armed security team.

The owners of Jokers Casino recently criticized the police department for its weak response to the robberies and suggested they do more to prevent them.

Police Chief Steve Allender said preventing crimes from occurring inside a business is an unrealistic expectation of a police force.

It's also an unrealistic expectation of taxpayers, who foot the bill for that police force.

Casino operators should consider beefing up security with an alarm system, better lighting, video cameras, or hired guards.

The owners of Jokers Casino said they did that and more: lowered the amount of cash on the property and installed a buzzer system to screen people who want to come inside. Then another robbery occurred.

If employees admitted the robber, that's hardly the fault of the police.

Perhaps they should increase screening to include requiring ID and recording who frequents the establishment. Then if a robbery occurred, they'd have the person's identity in hand.

If would-be criminals knew the casinos weren't an easy target, the rash of robberies might ease up.

Where a casino chooses to locate also plays a role in its vulnerability to crime.

They tend to draw people of limited means hoping to strike it rich, and tend to locate where they live — often in areas plagued with higher crime rates.

That's not the fault of police. It's the choice of casino owners who should take responsibility for their own operations.

Police have plenty of work to do without being expected to babysit casinos.

It's certainly their job to respond when a robbery occurs, and make an effort to nab the criminal.

It's not their job to provide the preventive security that casino owners should be covering themselves. If they don't feel safe, they can always spend their own money to change that.

Casino owners criticize police after robbery

Casino owners criticize police after robbery
Holly Meyer Journal staff
Rapid City Journal

Joker's Casino general manager Corey McLaughlin scrolls through surveillance footage of a robber cleaning out the Mount Rushmore Road casino's cash register on Tuesday night.

Jokers Casino at 1320 Mount Rushmore Road was robbed Tuesday night. Police are asking that anyone who can help identify the suspect in this video contact them.

• Robberies in Rapid City, Sioux Falls
  
  2009: 41, 47
  
  2008: 50, 46
  
  2007: 34, 44
  
  2006: 38, 34
  
  2005: 38, 71*
  
  2004: 45, 43
  
  Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reports
  
  *FBI indicated city changed its criteria this year
  

After being robbed three times in the past six months, the owners of Jokers Casino say they are fed up with the Rapid City Police Department’s response to casino robberies.

The company criticized the police department for not taking a proactive approach and only addressing the issue when a robbery occurs, according to Rich Dunkelberger, the chief executive officer of ISIS Hospitality. The Rapid City-based management company owns Jokers Casino.

“Why can’t they prevent the armed robberies in this area of town?” Dunkelberger said. “When they have a priority, they can accomplish it. When they want more DUI arrests, they get them.”

The Mount Rushmore Road casino was most recently robbed at about 10 p.m. Tuesday making it the second casino robbery in two days. Prior to that, Jokers Casino was hit in April and again in November 2010 during a week-long spree of casino robberies.

“It’s frustrating. We don’t live in Watts, L.A., or Harlem, New York; this is Rapid City. It’s crazy,” Dunkelberger said.

After the April robbery, Dunkelberger said he sat down with Police Chief Steve Allender to discuss the issue and requested extra patrols, but the casino owner was dissatisfied with the response he received.

“I don’t think the Rapid City cops are bad. I don’t want to demean them in anyway shape or form,” Dunkelberger said. “But, we need more assistance in this area, and the guy at the top needs to make sure this happens.”

But the guy at the top does not see it that way. In fact, Allender said preventing crimes from occurring inside a business is an unachievable expectation of a police force. Add in the fact that officers typically spend their shifts driving across neighborhoods to address the next issue, preventing a casino robbery is impossible, Allender said.

“We can no more prevent a robbery from occurring at a casino or anywhere else than we can prevent some family member from assaulting another family member behind a closed door,” Allender said. “Every homeowner and every business has some obligation to prevent crime in those areas that the police have no control preventing it.”

Allender said the key to preventing casino robberies is relying on a partnership between the police department and the business owners.

“We can’t purchase the video cameras. We can’t dictate the amount of lighting. We can’t dictate the number of employees or security guards on duty. We can’t choose the perfect locations for casinos,” Allender said. “That is all out of our hands.”

After the April robbery at Jokers Casino, the company did fulfill its end of the partnership by purchasing new video surveillance equipment, lowering the amount of cash on the property and installing a buzzer system allowing clerks to decide whether to let someone inside the casino, according to Dunkelberger.

“We did what (Allender) requested, but that doesn’t deter crimes,” Dunkelberger said.

The suspect in the most recent incident even played video lottery for about an hour, waiting for the other customers to leave, before demanding money from the clerk, Dunkelberger said.

The company will now be hiring an armed, uniformed security to work at the casino during its hours of operation, according to Caleb Arceneaux, director of gaming operations for ISIS Hospitality. They are also planning to increase the wattage of the lighting in the business’ parking lot, Arceneaux said.

“Is it us tomorrow? That needs to go away,” Arceneaux said. “It’s not good for our industry and our business, and it just gives us a black eye.”

Another prominent casino owner in town, M.G. Oil, is frustrated by the reoccurring crime, but does not share ISIS Hospitality’s criticisms of the police department, according to Troy Erickson, vice president of M.G. Oil.

An M.G. Oil casino, Happy Jacks on East St. Patrick Street, was robbed early Monday morning, the day before the Jokers Casino robbery.

“I’m sure they’re kind of slapped in the face seeing it, too. I’m sure they’re doing everything they can to get them.” Erickson said. “We have a pretty good rapport with the local officials. They do everything they can to protect everyone.”

Casino robberies are not unique to Rapid City. Across the state, Sioux Falls Police Department has handled a few since the beginning of the year; one suspect was apprehended at the scene and others remain under investigation, according to Det. Sgt. Matt Burns, of the Sioux Falls Police Department’s property crimes division.

The Sioux Falls police encourage casino owners to install quality surveillance equipment, report suspicious activity and utilize a buzzer system, Burns said.

Officers are expected to stop in at casinos in their district when time allows during the hours robberies typically occur, Burns said.

The sheer number of casinos in every quadrant of Sioux Falls creates certain impediments to being proactive, Burns said.

“Any business that has a significant amount of funds that are a part of their normal business cycle has a certain amount of risk,” Burns said. “It’s no secret that casinos have been and likely will continue to be a target.”

2nd Casino Robbery In As Many Days

2nd Casino Robbery In As Many Days

Rapid City police were called to investigate a panic alarm that had been activated about 10pm Tuesday evening at Jokers Casino on Mt. Rushmore Road. While police were on the way, the casino clerk was able to call 911 to report a robbery.

The clerk said a male subject had been playing a machine in the casino, and when the other customer left, he approached the clerk and demanded money. The suspect fled the casino with an undisclosed amount of cash.

He is described as a Native American male with a mustache and goatee, wearing a black shirt, black hat, and blue jeans. The suspect appears to have a tattoo with lettering on the right side of his neck.

Surveillance video showing the suspect is now available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwBAWDHvz0E and www.facebook.com/RapidCityPD. The colors in the video are distorted; the suspect’s shirt and hat are black.

This is the second casino robbery reported in Rapid City in two days. Happy Jacks Casino at 909 E. St. Patrick was robbed in the early morning hours of May 30. The suspect in the first robbery is described as a Native American male, 5’9”, 190 poun ds, with a shaved head and mustache. Surveillance video is not available from the Happy Jacks robbery.

Police are continuing to investigate both crimes, and have not determined whether the robberies are related.

Embezzler sent to prison

Embezzler sent to prison
Woman stole $400K in 6 years
Written by John Hult

A Sioux Falls woman who stole $400,000 from her employer during six years will spend at least one year and nine months in prison for the crime.

On Wednesday, 55-year-old Karen Lee Lovro was sentenced to 15 years in the prison for aggravated grand theft from Musivend Enterprises, where she had worked for nearly two decades and had come to be regarded as a close and trusted friend by her boss.

Judge Joseph Neiles suspended nine years of the sentence and told Lovro that she'd probably be eligible for parole on the remaining six years by January 2013 because she did not have a criminal record.

Lovro received a lighter sentence in part because she cashed in her retirement account and sold her home to pay off $126,200 of her $399,595 restitution bill before Thursday's sentencing.

Lovro's defense lawyer, Jan Olson, told Neiles that her client's crime had its roots in an unhappy marriage and her children's departure from the home. She began to go out, Olson said, and picked up a video lottery habit that soon was sucking up $700 a week.

"Once she got in the cycle, she couldn't get out," Olson said.

The 226 checks she wrote to herself from her employer's account fueled her growing gambling addiction, and Olson said the shame she's felt explaining herself to her friends and family since the theft was discovered has been devastating.

"I don't know if Karen has stopped crying for the last year," Olson said. "I'm not telling you that to get sympathy, I'm just saying it because I think it shows how remorseful she really is."

Prosecutor Tom Hensley told the judge that Lovro's otherwise exemplary life and her efforts to pay her restitution up front can't undo the years of theft. Lovro essentially kept two sets of books to hide all the individual thefts.

"Audits were done. Reports were made," Hensley said. "She was good. She was a very crafty thief, and she hid her tracks very well."

The theft hurt not only the owners, Hensley said, but also the family-run business' other 12 employees. They could have been given raises if the money were there, he said.

Lovro will begin serving her sentence in two weeks and will be required to pay the remainder of her restitution by the end of her 15-year sentence.