A Leesburg man was arrested for allegedly grabbing $1,500 from the office of the Jackpot Casino in Tavares.
Lake County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the casino located at 14942 West Old U.S. Hwy 441 In Tavares shortly after midnight Sunday regarding a theft. The deputies met with an employee who told them that she had been counting proceeds in preparation for closing that evening. She had let 20-year-old Javon Atwon Baker, who had previously been a security guard at the casino, remain in the building as she had promised him a ride. She told the police that Baker is receiving Social Security Disability and had lost all his money at the casino that day.
She said Baker came into the office, grabbed $1,500 that was in a paper bin on top of the cash register, said, “I am sorry,” and ran out of the building. The casino security camera footage showed Baker walking into the office and run out of the building with the money.
A detective obtained an arrest warrant and Baker was taken into custody Monday afternoon.
He was charged with grand theft and was being held at the Lake County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
