Flock license plate readers help catch suspects in $151,000 casino theft

Missouri State Police arrested two suspects who stole more than $151,000 from a gaming facility within Buchanan County, quickly identifying them through the state's Flock license plate reader network. The incident took place on Sunday morning, October 25.

Security staff at the St. Jo Frontier Casino notified police around 10:30 a.m. Security personnel reported that two individuals had earlier called the facility and claimed management had approved the removal of a cash box. An employee accepted the request as valid and handed over the box. The supervisor on duty learned of the transaction and contacted police.

Police reviewed the casino's security camera footage and identified the vehicle used to take the money. For the black Jeep Compass, the license plate was entered into the state's Flock system. The system showed the vehicle traveling east on U.S. Highway 36. At 10:54 a.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle and took the driver and passenger into custody.

The suspects were identified as 42-year-old Charles E. Blaisdell and 21-year-old Heaven L.R. Roberts. A search conducted with a warrant found $151,000 in cash in the vehicle. Both were charged with money laundering-related offenses for knowingly holding money obtained illegally and are being held on $150,000 bond. If convicted, they face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to twice the amount stolen.

The report also covers the ongoing debate over the widespread use of the Flock system. The company says roughly 120,000 of its cameras are in use across 49 states. Supporters argue the system makes it easier to track criminals, while critics say constant data collection can raise privacy concerns and risk wrongful arrests. In September, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a law requiring most license plate and vehicle data to be deleted within 30 days and prohibiting its sale or sharing.