Las Vegas Crime News Roundup: Attacker of Judge Faces Up To 65 Years in Prison

Deobra Redden will be spending as much as 65 years behind bars for jumping over a Las Vegas court bench and repeatedly assaulting a judge.

Deobra Redden
Deobra Redden, pictured above. He was sentenced to prison for decades. (Image: KTNV)

Redden, 31, of Las Vegas, was sentenced this week for between 26 and 65 years, his attorney, Carl Arnold, a Nevada criminal defense lawyer, revealed on Wednesday.

He explained that Redden pleaded “guilty but mentally ill” to attempted murder and five other counts, NBC News reported. Some of the other charges included: battery of a protected person age 60 or older resulting in substantial bodily harm, intimidating a public officer, and battery by a prisoner.

Initially, he was indicted on nine charges. Earlier this year, Redden pled not guilty and later was placed on trial. But his trial ended when he agreed to the plea bargain.

The agreement between the two legal teams “reflects a delicate balance between accepting responsibility for a regrettable incident and recognizing the impact of Mr. Redden’s untreated mental illness at the time,” Arnold said.

The incident took place on January 3 when Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus announced at the Regional Justice Center that she was sending him to prison on a prior attempted battery charge. He suddenly hurled obscenities and leaped at Holthus while she was seated on the bench.

She required medical attention for her injuries. Other officials in the courtroom at the time also suffered injuries when they tried to restrain Redden.

During the recent trial, Arnold revealed that Redden failed to take a schizophrenia medication the day of the attack.

The judge who sentenced Redden was Susan Johnson.

Man Faces Trial for Allegedly Stabbing Woman

A man is heading to court after he was accused of slashing a woman last month at a Downtown Las Vegas motel.

Ryan Heider was charged with attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, first-degree kidnapping with the use of a deadly weapon, and battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

The victim attempted to flee from the unnamed Fremont Street motel room, but Heider stopped her, police said. He then repeatedly stabbed her, police added.

Later, he was arrested for the November 22 knifing when he was located at a parking lot of a Sahara Avenue car dealership.

When speaking with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers, the victim admitted she provided the suspect sex in exchange for money, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

She was stabbed in the back and stomach. Her injuries were described by police as “life threatening.”

LVMPD Officer Killed on I-15

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officer, identified as Colton Pulsipher, was fatally injured following a Thursday morning crash on I-15 in Nevada.

The other driver was heading the wrong way on the freeway’s northbound lanes near the Valley of Fire State Park, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

Pulsipher, 29, was off-duty at the time. He had just completed a shift and was driving his personal vehicle when the collision took place at about 12:30 a.m.

Another man also died from the collision. A woman was injured but is expected to survive. One of these other two people was the wrong-way driver, according to news reports.

Their identities weren’t immediately released.

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Casino Crime News Roundup: Ailing Woman Refused Entry to Casino

A sick woman who didn’t bring her service dog with her into Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort reportedly was ordered to leave the gaming property.

Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort
Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort, pictured above. A woman was ordered to leave the property after she didn’t come with a service dog. (Image: Travel Nevada)

Heather Vanus, who reportedly suffers from epilepsy, recently tried to visit the casino where she typically goes many times each week. But, about two weeks ago, the Reno resident didn’t have her medical assistance dog, Cherry, at her side. Cherry had to stay home because the dog had just gotten neutered.

So, Vanus went to the casino with her fiancé.

When a security guard saw Cherry wasn’t there, he gave Vanus an ultimatum.

They said you can either remove yourself, or you can leave in cuffs,” Vanus recalled to Nevada TV station KOLO. “After it happened, my fiancé looked at me and asked if that really just happened.”

“Security told me that if she [Cherry] stayed at home, then I should have stayed at home with her,” Vanus said.

She also explained to KOLO she’s been a regular at the Nugget Casino for three years.

“They know who we are. When we come in, they automatically bring me water for my dog,” Vanus said about the staff at the casino.

Cherry knows how to alert the woman if a seizure is on the way.

The Nugget Casino declined to comment on the incident to KOLO, but the casino said in a statement it “is fully committed to complying with all ADA requirements, and we welcome all guests with disabilities who use service animals … we remain dedicated to offering an inclusive environment for all our guests.”

Four Suspects Charged After Raid

An October 17 search of an alleged gambling operation in East Oakland, Calif. led to four arrests and police seizing money and gaming devices.

An unspecified number of gambling machines, cash, three firearms, ammo, and suspected illegal drugs were seized during the raid, according to CBS News. Police also seized several vehicles that had been reported stolen.

Police obtained a search warrant for the property after being alerted about suspicious activity at the site.

Four suspects inside the structure were arrested but were not identified.

“The department and City of Oakland will seek criminal and civil accountability for those involved in this illegal and dangerous operation, which has contributed to blight in the neighborhood,” the Oakland Police Department said in a recent statement about the raid.

Cheating Alleged at Casino

A Warwick, RI man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly cheated while gambling at a Lincoln gaming property.

Michael J. Budz, 32, was charged with casino cheating, according to the Newport Dispatch.

Budz allegedly improperly made a bet with knowledge of the outcome, according to Rhode Island State Police. He was released and will appear in court at a later date.

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Las Vegas Crime News Roundup: Anti-Trump Song Leads to Shooting

A couple who played a song, “F**k Donald Trump,” as they were parked at a Vegas residence displaying a pro-Trump yard sign, got their car sprayed with bullets last week.

Donald Trump
Donald Trump. pictured above. A couple played a song critical of the former president. Their vehicle was sprayed by bullets. (Image: Council on Foreign Relations)

So far, the couple, not the shooter, were arrested for the violent incident.

Jennifer Lund, 38; and Timothy Parks, 45, remain in the Clark County Detention Center as of Saturday. They both were charged with assault, battery and stalking, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

The incident began last Sunday when Parks and Lund decided to stop at the house. The song, also known as “FDT,” was being played from the car.

“Parks parked his Tesla in front of the residence with Lund in the passenger seat… [playing] the song …,’” police said.

Upon hearing the song, three men went up to the Tesla. Lund allegedly screamed at the trio. One of the men punched Parks, police said.

Then, one of three men pulled out a firearm. As the Tesla drove away, the man fired at least seven shots at the car.

Before leaving the location, the Tesla was put in reverse and the motorist drove over the foot of one of the three men, police said.

“Lund stated since [the people] put the Trump sign in their yard, she feels like she has every right to tell them how she feels about it,” according to a police report quoted by KLAS.

Lund advised this was not the first time she went to that house to play the … Donald Trump song. Lund states she hates Donald Trump and hates every person who represents or votes for him.”

The shooter later told police he fired the gun because he felt threatened, police said.

The couple appeared in Las Vegas Justice Court last week. Judge Rebecca Saxe set bail for both at $20K.

The exact location of the incident wasn’t revealed in local news reports.

Las Vegas Murder-Suicide

A Las Vegas man fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself at a residence on Friday.

The Rancho Destino Road shooter died by suicide, police said.

A caller initially alerted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) about the shooting at 5:34 p.m. on Friday.

Police officers arrived at the residence. Officers entered the house and found the bodies. They had passed away in the apparent murder-suicide.

Autopsies will be performed by the Clark County coroner’s office. Their names will be identified, and doctors will confirm the cause and manner of death.

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Sweeping POGO Ban Enacted in Philippines to Curb Crime

President-imposes-ban-on-POGOs-amid-snowballing-calls_President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., addressing the nation during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), announced a resolute ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This move comes after escalating controversies linked to the sector, ranging from financial scams to violent crimes, have sparked widespread demands for action.

Presidential Directive: Immediate POGO Ban

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, President Marcos detailed an extensive list of crimes associated with POGOs, including money laundering, human trafficking, and even murder. “The grave abuse and disrespect of our system must stop. It is now imperative to stop this chaos that is wreaking havoc on our society and desecrating our country,” he declared, initiating an immediate nationwide ban. The announcement was met with robust applause and strong support from attendees, reflecting the public’s growing unease with the offshore gaming sector.

Economic Impact and Policy Support

Key economic leaders, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, have endorsed the ban, stressing that the minimal economic contributions of POGOs do not justify the severe social and reputational damages they cause.

Balisacan pointed out that the sector contributed less than half a percent to the GDP in 2022, a small price to pay for mitigating broader economic and social risks. He emphasized the potential regulation of cross-border tourism by China as a significant factor, which could lead to more profound economic repercussions if POGOs were allowed to continue.

Legislative and Social Repercussions

Following the President’s directive, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has been instructed to shut down all POGO operations by the end of the year. Additionally, the Department of Labor and Employment is tasked with facilitating support for the nearly 40,000 workers expected to be displaced by this decision. Legislative leaders, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, have pledged swift action to implement the necessary legislative changes to enforce this ban effectively.

Controversies and Legal Challenges

The push for a POGO ban gained momentum following several high-profile incidents, including raids on operations like CGC Technologies, which were found engaging in illegal activities far beyond their gaming remit. The industry’s linkage to a series of grave offenses prompted both chambers of Congress to delve deeper into these illicit activities, further fueling the call for a total shutdown.

Looking Forward

The decision to ban POGOs represents a significant shift in policy direction, prioritizing societal well-being and national security over economic gains from questionable industries. As the country moves forward, the focus will likely shift towards strengthening industries that offer more sustainable and respectable contributions to the economy and society.

Source:

President imposes ban on POGOs amid snowballing calls, pna.gov.ph, July 22, 2024.

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Casino Crime Round Up: San Jose Gambling, Prostitution Raid Leads to Arrests

Five suspects were apprehended after a North San Jose, Calif., raid of an illicit gambling operation this week.

San Jose Police Department cruiser
San Jose Police Department cruiser, pictured above. Police officers raided an illegal gambling operation. (Image: San Jose Spotlight)

Authorities also seized 33 guns, about 20K in cash, 150K rounds of ammo, and some 500 pounds of suspected marijuana during Wednesday’s court-ordered raid.

The arrested suspects are Saolepea Liu, 42, of Antioch, Calif., as well as Nido Nguyen, 35, Phuong Nguyen, 44, Windie Pratt, 41, and Anai Garcia, 24, each of San Jose.

Each was booked on charges at Santa Clara County Jail. Specific counts weren’t immediately released.

The investigation began earlier this month when San Jose Police Department (SJPD) officers were tipped off there was an illegal casino operating in several units in a commercial building on Autumndale Drive in North San Jose.

It turns out there was more than illicit gambling occurring at the site. SJPD officers said they uncovered illegal drug sales and prostitution, according to San Francisco TV station KRON.

Women who were victims of sex trafficking at a brothel in the building were provided resources and assistance following the raid, KRON reported based on a SJPD statement released on Friday.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are possible.

Over $2K Robbed from Casino

A Bozeman, Mont. man was arrested this week after allegedly holding up a small gaming facility and burglarizing a gas station.

Duane Cantwell, 50, was charged with a count each of robbery and burglary after the theft from Bozeman’s Montana Lil’s Casino on Wednesday night.

A female clerk at the business claimed the bandit grabbed her as she tried to count money.

Please don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me. I have children who need me,” she pleaded with the robber.

He then ordered her to hand over the loot and said he wouldn’t harm her if he got the cash.

He fled the business after being given $2,126, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

He drove off in a white Ram 1500 pickup truck. His photo was captured on a surveillance camera.

Cantwell also allegedly burglarized a Town Pump gas station administrative office in Belgrade, Mont. on Wednesday night.

He entered the office by climbing through ceiling tiles. The office was “trashed,” police revealed. But it’s unclear if anything was stolen.

On Thursday, police had identified Cantwell as the suspect. They spotted his pickup truck at Montana’s Gallatin County Fairgrounds. He was found inside a nearby camper and apprehended.

He was booked at Gallatin County Detention Center. His case was turned over to local prosecutors.

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