A Newark man was convicted in the assault and robbery of a casino patron Monday.
Robert Reed, 51, was found guilty of second-degree robbery, and third-degree charges of aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The jury also convicted him of fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Reed had befriended the victim after being at the table when the man won $20,000 at a hand of poker March 3, 2023 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, according to the charges.
The next morning, Reed talked to the victim who was checking, and asked for a ride, saying he missed his bus, according to testimony and evidence given during trial.
While walking to the victim’s vehicle in the parking garage, the defendant struck the victim over the head with a glass wine bottle and robbed him of cash and other personal belongings.
The victim received several head lacerations as a result of the assault.
Reed fled but Hard Rock security and surveillance were able to identify him by his player’s card information.
Reed faces five to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced July 18 before Superior Court Judge Dorothy Garrabrant.
He remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
