Burlington County Man Indicted In Armed Robbery At Bally's Casino

EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Burlington County man has been indicted by a state grand jury on charges that he threatened a patron with a box cutter during an attempted robbery at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, authorities announced.

Shawn P. Applewhite, 25 of Marlton, has been indicted on charges of first-degree robbery and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the December 2020 incident, Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck announced.

During the incident, Applewhite approached the victim from behind as he sat at a slot machine, authorities said. He held the box cutter to the victim’s neck and demanded money and jewelry, authorities said.

The man stood up and engaged in a fight with Applewhite, authorities said. Another person intervened, and Applewhite fled emptyhanded, authorities said. He was then captured by a Bally’s security supervisor and security officer as he attempted to leave the casino, authorities said.

The first-degree robbery charge carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison, with a period of parole ineligibility equal to 85 percent of the sentence imposed, and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.