Kasino News

Casino Robber Sentenced to 17 Years

A Billings man who robbed a casino and threatened the lives of those present at the scene has been sentenced to spend more than 17 years in federal prison.

Jeffrey Lyle Schlepp, 42, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull. The sentence meted out was 17 years and three months in prison with an order of $135 restitution.

The convicted had pleaded guilty in April for robbing Sam's Place June 11, 2005. He was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, interfering with interstate commerce by robbery, using a firearm in a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Schlepp was reported to have stepped inside the casino at 1:47 am, where he shortly took out a short-barreled shotgun and demanded for money. In the process, Schlepp smashed ashtrays and yelled, "I'll kill you, I swear to God."

He was able to get away from the scene with his loot of $905, yelling that he would kill anyone who watched him retreat.

Police had been able to track down the getaway vehicle from witnesses' descriptions. Only his companion faced the police and Hope Rathbun admitted that she had conspired with Schlepp to rob the casino. She was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison.

Schlepp was found in a motor home, where he showed police where the money was hidden. The weapon was also found in the home, but Schlepp claimed it was not loaded at the time of the crime.