Officers investigate casino burglary

Rocky Boy police and the FBI are making progress in the investigation of a casino burglary, a tribal criminal investigator said today.

"We have some leads that we are pursuing at this time," said Jim Bighorn, a criminal investigator assigned to the case.

The 4-Cs Casino on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation was burglarized at 2:30 a.m. Oct. 10, Bighorn said. The thieves made off with about $21,000 in cash and checks, he said.

The burglars forced their way into the rear of the building, Bighorn said. The casino has a two-part security system consisting of an alarm and a digital video system, he said. The alarm is activated when the last employee clocks out and leaves the building.

The criminal investigator declined to say if the alarm was triggered during the burglary.

"That information is part of our investigation," he said.

It is not clear how many people participated in the burglary, Bighorn said. The theft could have been committed by a single person, but others may also have been involved, he said.

The FBI has authorized a reward of $500 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the burglars. An additional reward may be offered through the Bureau of Indian Affairs' We-Tip program, Bighorn said.

Anyone with information about the burglary can call the Havre field office of the FBI at 265-7181, Bighorn at 395-4184, or We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.