Police not focused on gambling in investigation of poker game robbery
by Joe Blumberg
Saturday, May 16, 2009

St. Joseph police continue their investigation of an armed robbery of a poker game last month.

Victims reported four black males — two armed with rifles and two with handguns — wearing stocking caps, bandanas and gloves ordered the 11 people to lay on their stomachs, then bound their hands and feet with nylon zip ties, according to police spokesman Cmdr. Jim Connors.

Police released the names of all 11 people who were present at the poker game, along with the individuals’ reported thefts, which totaled about $12,000. Mr. Connors, however, noted that police are not focusing their investigation on the gambling, which if proven would only be a misdemeanor offense.

“More importantly, what we are doing is taking care of guys who came in with weapons and stole a lot of money and jewelry and put people on the ground,” Mr. Connors said.

Police are still investigating. The holdup occurred at about 11:30 p.m. April 29 at 3611 Lafayette St., at Prestige Sunrooms, Siding and More.

The 11 people present during the holdup and their losses are as follows, according to police and a police report: Brett E. Haggard, 43, St. Joseph, $5,000; Larry D. Plummer, 47, St. Joseph, $1,500; Michael G. Adams, 38, Overland Park, Kan., $1,500; Marcus B. Elliott, 30, Kansas City, $1,000; Steven C. Crawford, 65, St. Joseph, $900; Dave A. Kruse, 39, St. Joseph, $900; Joseph S. Larison, 46, St. Joseph, $400; Roger E. Mann, 50, St. Joseph, $200 to $300; Charles W. Hansuld, 36, Kansas City, $200; Delmar G. Moreland, 72, Rock Port, Mo., $180 to $190; and Frank L. Miller Jr., 31, Kansas City, $50.

Multiple wallets and a cell phone were also reported stolen, Mr. Connors said.

Joe Blumberg can be reached

at joeblumberg@npgco.com.