Casino Security Breach: Three Charged After Dramatic Queen Holdup at DraftKings Casino

• Police are seeking two people charged with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action.
• A third person allegedly involved in the robbery has been arrested.
• The armed robbery occurred after a man left an Illinois casino with a sizeable amount of cash.

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Authorities have announced three arrests following a robbery on March 15, 2025, highlighting the critical role of casino security in protecting patrons and assets. The incident occurred after a man exited the DraftKings area at Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois, prompting a swift response from the facilitys safety teams to identify the suspect.

On the night of the incident, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department received a 911 call from a distressed 41-year-old man near Goodfellow Blvd. in the Walnut Park West area. The man informed police that he had been at DraftKings Casino, waiting for a cab home, when a couple approached him and offered to give him a ride.

After getting into their vehicle, he soon realized that instead of being taken home, he was led to an alley, where he was held at gunpoint. The suspects demanded he hand over around $2,500 in cash.

The victim complied, and the suspects, including a third man who joined the vehicle after the ride accepted, fled with the money. Thankfully, they left the victim’s mobile phone behind, enabling him to alert the authorities. However, he reported that one of the suspects struck him in the face with a firearm and fired several rounds into the air while they escaped.

Investigation Leads to Charges

According to police reports, surveillance footage from the casino captured a 2008 gray Honda Civic with Ohio license plates, identified as the getaway vehicle. This lead facilitated the identification and subsequent criminal charges against three individuals: Jeffrey M. Burnett (32), Mone D. Edwards (27), and Jalyn T. Freeman (32).

While Freeman was apprehended on May 16, the other two suspects remain at large. All three individuals face charges for first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. Additionally, Burnett has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Notably, both Burnett and Freeman have prior felony convictions, including Freeman’s guilty plea to the use of a firearm and drug charges.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office is managing the prosecution. Under Missouri law, a person convicted of first-degree robbery could face a sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years, with a requisite completion of 85% of the sentence before eligibility for parole. An additional five years could be added for armed criminal action.

Revisiting Past Incidents: Casino Queen Gunman

In a related note, back in March, a man from Georgia was handed a 49-year prison sentence for his involvement in a robbery and shooting incident at Casino Queen in 2017. Daryl S. Muhammad, aged 48, was one of three armed criminals to enter the casino on September 17 that year, where he shot security guard Larry Weber, who fortunately has since recovered and returned to work.

Unfortunately, Muhammad’s accomplices from that incident remain at large.

It’s worth noting that Casino Queen underwent a rebranding to DraftKings at Casino Queen in 2020, reflecting its partnership with the sports betting and iGaming platform. The casino’s parent company, Queen Casino & Entertainment, merged with Bally’s in a deal completed in February 2025.

Key Facts on Casino Security and Crime Prevention

• Casino security teams are equipped with surveillance technology to monitor activities within the premises.
• Most casinos invest in robust security training for staff to effectively manage emergency situations.
• Many casinos utilize advanced tracking systems to identify suspicious vehicle activity around their establishments.
• Community partnerships are often forged with local authorities to ensure safety and security.

In conclusion, while the incident at the DraftKings Casino Queen highlights significant security concerns in the gambling sector, it also prompts a greater discussion on crime prevention strategies in areas surrounding gaming establishments. Ongoing investigations aim to bring all responsible parties to justice and ensure the safety of patrons.

In summary, the troubling robbery incident at DraftKings Casino Queen has led to significant legal action against three individuals, showcasing the persistent need for robust security measures within the casino industry. As investigations continue to unfold, the implications of this crime extend further into discussions on both public safety and crime prevention strategies in gambling environments.