Pennsylvania Casino Robbery Spree Leads to Arrests, Stolen Chips in Excess of $17,000

Two audacious casino heists in Pennsylvania resulted in the apprehension of two men from Maryland, while a third individual has been charged. 

The Pennsylvania State Police claim that Antonio Jackson, 41, Anthony Paye, 47, and Macy Wyatt Wilson, 35, plotted to steal valuable gaming chips from two locations managed by Penn Entertainment. 

The affidavit for the trio asserts that they took $17K in purple gaming chips, each valued at $500, from Hollywood Casino York on the morning of Sunday, November 24, 2024. During that event, surveillance video recorded Wilson entering the gaming area within Galleria Mall and taking a seat at a blackjack table. 

Wilson did not engage or take part. Following the observation of several hands, Wilson reportedly reached over the table and seized as many purple chips as possible before escaping. Authorities report that Wilson, whose identity was not known to them at the time, fled in a parked gray Ford Explorer. 

Fewer than fourteen days later, authorities claim that Wilson went into Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course on Saturday, December 7, attempting to execute a comparable robbery. After forcefully taking chips from an unknown table game, Wilson escaped through the bus entrance and into the parking garage. A gray Ford Explorer with a prominent dent in its tailgate was observed swiftly leaving the parking garage. 

Police Locate Suspects 

The heist at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course near Harrisburg resulted in the identification of the trio. As Wilson fled with an undisclosed number of gaming chips, authorities were able to find the gray Ford Explorer a few hours later at a hotel nearby. 

The SUV displayed California dealer tags rather than the Pennsylvania license plate it had in November. An officer recognized a man who appeared familiar in the hotel lobby and went over to him. Wilson revealed his identity and consented to let the officer check his hotel room. 

When the officer arrived, he noticed the key for the Ford vehicle. The state trooper discreetly pressed the panic button, causing the vehicle’s horn to blare and its lights to flash. 

Wilson was taken into custody. While being questioned, he confessed to collaborating with Jackson and Paye in the series of robberies. Wilson informed the police that he was supposed to keep 25% of the value of the chips he took, while Jackson and Paye were responsible for laundering the gaming tokens. 

Authorities reported that surveillance footage revealed the two individuals at both Hollywood York and Hollywood Penn National engaging with purple chips without having bought them and making multiple cash withdrawals. 

Wilson and Paye are residents of Baltimore, whereas Jackson hails from Owings Mills. They confront a range of felony accusations, such as conspiracy, possession of stolen goods, and theft through illegal acquisition. 

Wilson stays in county jail for not being able to pay a $500K bond. Paye does as well, although the specifics of his bail were not included in court documents. Jackson is still on the run. 

Repeat Offender

Wilson likely didn't improve his situation by confessing to law enforcement that he had previously sought out casinos for fast cash. Wilson mentioned that around three years prior, he was apprehended and charged for executing a similar scheme at a casino in Maryland. 

Wilson has an extensive criminal record in his home state, including charges and convictions for drug possession and distribution, theft, battery, and assault.