Minneapolis Man Sentenced for Masterminding $38K Casino Robbery

A violent robbery at the Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Minn., left a casino-goer fearing for his life and has resulted in a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the mastermind behind the attack.

Shawn Eric Lewis Sr., 54, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree aggravated robbery in Washington County District Court on July 21. His son, Shawn Eric Lewis Jr., who participated in the attack, was sentenced to 58 months in June on similar charges.

The Attack

The victim, a 68-year-old man who won more than $38K at the casino, left the casino in the early hours of Dec. 10, 2023. A red pickup truck pulled up as he returned home at around 2:15 am.

Two men, now identified as Shawn Lewis Jr. and Tristin Tyler Jacox-Mann, exited the vehicle and launched a brutal assault, punching and kicking the victim while demanding cash.

The victim’s girlfriend and her niece witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene. One of the men pulled a gun and threatened to kill them, according to prosecutors.

Investigation Reveals Orchestrated Scheme

Earlier that night, the victim encountered Philip William Davids Sr., an acquaintance from the casino. When Davids began following him, the victim became suspicious and went into a restroom to try to get away.

Authorities later uncovered a flurry of phone calls between Davids, Lewis Sr., and other suspects, linking them to the planned robbery.

The Ringleader’s Role

Lewis Sr. was described by prosecutors as the “ringleader, the hub.” He was the one who organized surveillance, relayed the victim’s location, and orchestrated the movement of others, according to Hydukovich.

The prosecutor said Lewis Sr. maintained phone contact with his son and other accomplices, which placed him near the victim’s home on the night of the robbery.

Arrests Made and Sentencing

After the attack, the victim tailed the red pick-up truck in his own vehicle as it tried to get away and was able to alert police, who eventually arrested Lewis Jr., Jacox-Mann, and driver Deangelo Romaine Jacox.

Later, Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic-camera footage confirmed an SUV owned by Lewis Sr. had been following the victim’s vehicle as it pursued the red pick-up truck.

Conclusion

The mastermind behind a violent robbery at the Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Minn., has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and swift action by law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice.