An alleged purse snatcher is behind bars after police say he committed burglaries inside three Atlantic City casinos.
The first incident happened on August 14, around 10:20 p.m., inside the lobby of the Borgata Hotel and Casino. Police say a man, later identified as Michael Brown, 48, of Atlantic City, was spotted on surveillance video stealing a purse from a 58-year-old woman. Investigators say Brown stole the purse from the wheelchair the woman was seated in.
The next day, Brown allegedly stole from a 75-year-old woman inside the South Tower of the Tropicana. Investigators say Brown bumped into the woman, stole her wallet from her purse and ran off.
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Finally, on Sunday, police say Brown stole an 80-year-old woman’s purse around 10:30 a.m. at the Showboat Hotel Casino. The victim told police she was staying with her sister-in-law at the hotel. As she checked out of her guestroom and went into the lobby with her luggage, police say the man placed his jacket on top of her luggage and walker. He then allegedly removed her purse and concealed it under his jacket. The woman notified a nearby security officer who stopped and detained Brown until police arrived.
Brown, who police say also goes by the names Michael Leaphart and Cody Thorpe, was arrested and charged with theft and robbery. He was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility on $25,000 bail for the Tropicana incident and $25,000 bail for the Borgata incident.
