Judge's son takes plea deal in 2nd casino heist

LAS VEGAS – The son of a Las Vegas judge pleaded guilty Thursday to a casino heist for the second time in a week.

Anthony Michael Carleo pleaded guilty to armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon under a deal to avoid trial in the Dec. 9 robbery of the Suncoast Hotel & Casino in northwest Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Authorities said Carleo, 29, made off with almost $19,000 in cash.

The plea came days after Carleo acknowledged being the motorcycle helmet-wearing, armed bandit in the $1.5 million heist at the posh Bellagio resort last Dec. 14.

Under the Bellagio plea deal, Carleo also pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon charges.

At the time, he apologized for waving a gun as he made off with casino chips. No shots were fired. Police said Carleo was apprehended after trying to sell several $25,000 chips to an undercover Las Vegas police officer.

Prosecutors dropped several other assault, burglary and weapon charges and agreed not to seek additional drug and weapon charges.

Carleo faces four to 36 years in prison on each robbery count. He was being held at the Clark County jail on $1 million bail.

Police said the Suncoast robbery played out like a dress-rehearsal for the Bellagio heist just five days later.

In both cases, a motorcycle-riding bandit thwarted video surveillance by keeping his helmet on as he entered. He displayed a gun and left the gambling floor in seconds. No one was injured in either holdup.

Carleo's father, George Assad, was ousted by voters this month after nine years as a judge.

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Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com