Bank Robbers Caught at Casino Hours After Heist

The Robbery and Initial Actions

Michael Dino Peraino and Tyler Michael Thayer are accused of robbing a bank and then driving over 60 miles to spend their stolen money at a tribal casino, where they were apprehended later that same day. The bank robbery took place on July 10.

Details of the Crime

Investigators report that Peraino, age 63, and Thayer, age 31, used a maroon 2010 Chevrolet Town and Country minivan for their activities. They first stopped at a Dollar General store to buy glasses and eyeliner for Peraino to use as a disguise before entering a Chase Bank. They also bought foil at a Safeway store.

Peraino was dropped off in front of the bank by Thayer. Inside, Peraino handed a teller a note demanding $10,000 in cash. He warned her not to look at him and claimed to be armed. The teller complied, handing over cash including sixty $100 bills.

After the robbery, the pair hid the stolen money by wrapping it in foil and placing it in various locations within their vehicle, including the engine compartment. Afterwards, they traveled approximately 61 miles to the Apache Gold Casino and Resort in San Carlos, Arizona.

Arrest at the Casino

Local police, working with the FBI, found the suspects’ minivan at the casino. A search warrant uncovered $2,000 in the vehicle along with a torn piece of paper matching the robbery demand note.

With additional support from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, authorities arrested Peraino and Thayer on the casino floor. More cash was discovered concealed in their clothing and in a hotel room they rented at the connected Best Western.

Legal Proceedings

The suspects were booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, and theft. They were later placed in FBI custody and remain held at the Central Arizona Correctional Facility in Florence, Arizona.

Scheduled for arraignment on September 5 at the US Magistrate Court in Tucson, they face charges of conspiracy and bank robbery. The US Attorney’s Office is pursuing restitution totaling $10,267.06, intended to cover money spent, hidden, or distributed. According to the FBI, Thayer has admitted to participating in the robbery.