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Arrest and Alleged Casino Robbery
On October 9, 2026, police in Atlantic City detained Amanda Crafts, a 35-year-old middle-school teacher, and 23-year-old Veda Engel in connection with a casino robbery at Harrah’s Resort. The complaint alleges that a man met the pair at Caesars Atlantic City, then proceeded to a hotel room where the alleged robbery took place.
The man reportedly exchanged contact information with Engel after meeting her at Caesars. Engel invited him to join Crafts and herself in a room at Harrah’s, according to the New York Post. Investigators say the encounter turned into a robbery after the man was undressed. Crafts allegedly restrained the man on the bed so that he could not move freely, and began a sexual act. Engel then used the man’s iPhone and its facial-recognition technology to access his payment services. Crafts continued to pin him down while four Apple Pay transfers totaling $1,250 were made to her own account.
The victim called police after the encounter ended. The complaint alleges that Engel indicated that what he had paid was all he was going to get before the encounter was over.
Legal Response and Defense
Crafts’ attorney, Charles Peruto Jr., denied that his client helped hold the man down or took part in taking his money. He said she met Engel and the complainant that night and thought they were going to a hotel room to continue partying. Peruto also said Crafts knew nothing about any alleged commercial sex arrangement. He said she was not involved in the alleged theft and plans to fight the allegations in court.
At an earlier hearing, Crafts told a judge she had never been arrested before and thought she had just been caught up in a bad situation. Her lawyer has also said she intends to fight the charges instead of entering a plea deal.
Pretrial Supervision and Separate Charges
Both defendants were released on October 15 on pretrial supervision. They reportedly must check in with the court regularly and are prohibited from contacting each other or the alleged victim. Engel is also facing a separate prostitution case involving an alleged encounter with an undercover New Jersey State Police detective at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in December 2025.
Impact on the Teacher’s Career
Crafts has been a computer teacher at Middle Township Middle School in Cape May County, New Jersey, since 2016. On October 19, the school district informed parents and staff that she no longer worked there.
Casino Security Implications
The incident raises questions about how casino operators monitor private rooms and electronic device usage. While Harrah’s Resort and Caesars Atlantic City are licensed operators, the case shows that private encounters can still occur in their premises. Operators must balance guest privacy with security measures that prevent illicit activity.
What to Watch
The court will determine whether the alleged robbery occurred as described. If Crafts and Engel are found guilty, the case could set a precedent for how casino staff and visitors are held accountable for crimes committed on casino property. Operators may review their protocols for monitoring private rooms and device usage to avoid future incidents.
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