
A Las Vegas woman was arrested this week on charges she stole $110,000 in cash, checks, and jewelry from guest rooms while working at the Venetian Las Vegas casino resort.
Maria Menendez Betancourt has been charged with three counts of burglary and theft. The incidents occurred in June of this year.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police documents say that Betancourt is suspected of stealing $8,000 in jewelry and cash in one incident. Later that month, she allegedly stole just over $100,000 from various rooms in the resort’s Palazzo tower over the course of 90 minutes.
After the second theft was reported, casino security looked at surveillance footage. They determined that Betancourt was their prime suspect, and reported her to the police.
Betancourt has posted bail, although she is no longer employed at the Venetian and has been ordered to stay away from the Las Vegas Strip.
The Thefts
In mid-June this year, a room burglary was reported at the Venetian by a guest. The visitor reported $8,000 in jewelry and cash missing from their suite. Casino staff suspected Betancourt, because data from her electronic key lock revealed she had used the staff keycard on the victim’s room that day. However, surveillance footage did not prove her guilt.
The next month, police believe Betancourt returned to the property while not on shift. There she allegedly activated her staff keycard and entered multiple hotel rooms on multiple floors, this time without her cleaning cart.
Hours later, after Betancourt had left the property, a guest reported $100,000 in cash, checks, and other valuables were missing from their room. Casino staff told police their suspicions and Betancourt was arrested on June 18. The police report revealed they suspected at the time of her arrest she was wearing a gold bracelet previously reported stolen from the Venetian.
“Menendez Betancourt discovered these items and concealed them in white bath towels found in the room,” court documents said.
The Charges
The suspect was later arrested again on further burglary and theft charges, for a total of three counts. Theft and burglary of a business are both category C felonies under Nevada law.
Betancourt could face up to 15 years in prison and $30,000 in fines, plus potential damages to the victims. It is possible she may face more charges, as police say a further investigation is ongoing.
In another Nevada casino burglary in recent weeks, a couple was charged with a smash and grab raid on an unstaffed casino cage in which they allegedly stole more than $650K.
Lydia Salmen, 70, and her husband, John Salmen, 63, are accused of robbing the Primm Valley Resort & Casino. The couple were arrested at their home in North Las Vegas, where police say they found $625,000 in cash and $27,000 in casino chips in several duffle bags.

David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.