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55-year-old Javier Vigil of Umatilla County was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday, for the 2022 armed robbery of a casino in Eastern Oregon during which he shot at a tribal police officer.
Vigil had plead guilty in April to charges of robbery, attempted murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun.
According to court documents, on August 17, 2022, Vigil entered the Wildhorse Casino, walked straight to the cashier cage in the gaming area, and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million. Vigil then drew a holstered pistol, pointed it at the cashier, and threatened to “bathe everyone in blood.” After getting nearly $70,000 in cash, Vigil exited the casino and shot at the responding Umatilla tribal police officer, who returned fire striking Vigil. A bystander was also hit by a stray bullet.
Vigil was indicted on six charges from the incident by a federal grand jury in Portland in December 2023, and pleaded guilty on the second day of trial earlier this year.
“Vigil gambled and lost when he chose to rob this casino with a gun,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “His violent actions endangered innocent employees, patrons, and a law enforcement officer. He deserved and received the full consequences under federal law.”
Vigil had a significant criminal record prior to this armed robbery.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
