71-Year-Old Man Who Won Big at Jake’s 58 Assaulted in Parking Lot by 24-Year-Old
After allegedly striking it rich on one of the slot-like video lottery terminals (VLTs) at Jake's 58 Casino Hotel in Islandia, New York, a 71-year-old man was robbed outside the establishment.
A person was taken into custody by the Suffolk County Police Department in connection with an incident that happened at the Jake's 58 parking lot on Saturday, September 6. Around 3:40 p.m., bystanders reported an aggravated robbery at the Long Island casino, prompting law officials to arrive on the scene.
Police were informed upon arrival that a young, black man had robbed a 71-year-old after he left the casino. According to witnesses, the man first reached into the victim's pockets before fleeing.
The attacker, who was later identified as Aaron Hayes, 24, of Port Jefferson Station, returned and tackled the old man to the ground after he realized he had only taken around $30 in cash. Hayes reportedly gave up the struggle and ran away after two good Samaritans stepped in.
Hayes was identified, discovered, and taken into custody by police after an investigation by the Fourth Squad of the Suffolk County Police Department. Third-degree robbery is the charge against him.
Lower-Level Fee
According to court documents from New York State, Hayes is scheduled to appear in Suffolk County District Court on Monday, September 15, at 9:00 a.m. There isn't a defense lawyer mentioned.
The lowest robbery charge in New York is a third-degree felony. Robberies that do not involve the use of a lethal weapon, an accomplice, or robberies that cause bodily harm are charged as Class D felonies. According to the victim's family, he was unharmed, CBS News said.
In New York, probation is the usual punishment for those convicted of third-degree robbery. Those who have committed a felony within the last ten years or who are repeat offenders are typically the ones who receive prison sentences.
Hayes has no prior records in the unified court system of New York.
Customer safety is the top priority, according to officials with Jake's 58, which is owned and run by Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. (Suffolk OTB).
"The safety of our patrons is our highest priority at Jake’s 58. Our security team was pleased to assist the Suffolk County Police Department in making a very fast arrest in the case, and we will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they further investigate the incident,” Suffolk OTB and Jake’s 58 President and CEO Phil Boyle said in a statement.
At the moment, Jake's 58 has roughly 1,000 gaming machines. Soon, a lot more gaming positions will be added to it.
Jake's Growth
The three downstate New York casino licenses that incorporate retail sports betting, live-dealer table games, and Las Vegas slot machines are not being pursued by Jake's 58. Rather, the VLT company is currently investing $210 million to expand its selection of slot-like games to 2,000.
A 17,500-square-foot VIP lounge, a 3,500-square-foot events center, a 200-seat food court, a new parking structure, sound barriers to please residential neighbors, and renovations to all 210 hotel guestrooms are also included in the project.
After the expansion is finished next year, Jake's will continue to be an adult-only establishment.