Metro: Sportsbook employee admits to robbing workplace of $23K

James Mitchell, 23, was taken into custody on July 16 and faces felony robbery charges after allegedly stealing more than $23,000 from the sportsbook at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, according to tribunal records. The Metropolitan Police Department said in an apprehension study released Wednesday that Mitchell carried out the robbery shortly after 9 p.m. on July 14 at the venue located at 4455 Paradise Road, just east of the Strip on East Harmon Avenue, walking away with approximately $23,290. According to the report, Mitchell entered the casino, proceeded to a restroom nearest the sportsbook to don a disguise and gloves, then moved to the sportsbook counter area while holding a knife. Employees were in the process of closing when Mitchell confronted one individual with the blade, police said. The apprehension study noted that he emptied two currency drawers and departed without speaking. After the robber left, an employee activated a robbery alarm to alert authorities and police, the report added. Police said that as apprehension efforts progressed, investigators informed a casino worker they suspected the perpetrator was a current employee, leading to Mitchell’s identification as the suspect. He was escorted by information into police custody and transported to the Metro office for questioning, the document states. Police reported that Mitchell admitted arriving at the Virgin early on July 14 armed with a weapon and a "clear program to rob" the sportsbook, returning to the property after being thwarted earlier that day. “Mitchell stated helium felt helium needed the money,” constabulary wrote successful the apprehension report. Mitchell told officers he had spent roughly $3,000 and that the remainder of the stolen cash was concealed in his apartment. A search of his residence uncovered more than $10,000 hidden in two locations, along with the clothing police said he wore during the robbery. Authorities did not confirm whether all of the missing money has been recovered. The apprehension study also quoted Mitchell as saying he identified vulnerabilities to exploit concerning the book’s business practices. As of Wednesday, Mitchell remained detained at the Clark County Detention Center, per online jailhouse records, with bail set at $50,000. Las Vegas Justice Court records indicate he made his initial appearance on July 21. Should he be released, he would be required to submit to medium‑level GPS monitoring and to stay outside the Strip corridor. He is being represented by the Clark County nationalist defender’s office, which did not instantly respond to a petition for comment. A spokesperson for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas declined to remark and deferred to instrumentality enforcement. A preliminary proceeding is scheduled for August 4.