A former Las Vegas police officer's trial commences this week, facing accusations of stealing nearly $165,000 from casinos over a four-month period. Prosecutors depict Caleb Rogers, 35, as a gambling addict driven to desperation by mounting debt. They allege he executed three robberies using his department-issued firearm.

Rogers' lawyer, Richard Pocker, contests the evidence linking Rogers to two of the heists, claiming the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department coerced witnesses, including Rogers' brother, into identifying him.

Investigators detail how Rogers allegedly stole over $85,000 in the initial two robberies between November 2021 and January 2022, while his fellow officers pursued the culprit. A third attempt at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in February 2022 was thwarted by security guards, despite Rogers nearly escaping with an additional $79,000.

Authorities describe a consistent modus operandi: a masked individual in dark attire and black gloves would demand cash, stash it under his jacket, and flee with a noticeable limp.

Security footage captured an image of Caleb Rogers during a robbery at the Aliante hotel-casino on January 6, 2022. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via AP)

UNLV professor Mehmet Erdem, specializing in hotel and casino operations, highlights the difficulty of successful casino heists due to sophisticated security measures, including uniformed and undercover guards, facial recognition software, and high-definition cameras.

A seven-year veteran of the force, Rogers was an active-duty patrol officer at the time of the alleged crimes. He remains employed but is on unpaid leave without police powers pending the trial's outcome.

Scheduled witnesses include casino staff, security personnel, and Josiah Rogers, who has been granted immunity for his testimony identifying his brother in security footage from the first two robberies. Court documents reveal Caleb Rogers allegedly used his brother's car in one heist, instructing him to dispose of it afterward.

The third attempted robbery involved Rogers wearing body armor and carrying a department-issued revolver with a concealed serial number. He confronted cashiers preparing to open the sportsbook, demanding cash and brandishing his weapon. Security guards apprehended him after a struggle near the casino exit. Upon the arrival of police, Rogers reportedly identified himself with his department personnel number. When questioned later, he stated nothing could have prevented the robberies.