Unraveling the $500,000 Chicago Gaming Heist: Three Men Charged in Elaborate Theft Spree

Authorities have recently unveiled a sophisticated alleged scheme, charging three men in connection with the theft of over $500,000 from video gaming machines across numerous Chicago suburbs. The accused — Michael Deegan, Andrew S. Deegan, and Vito Ng — now face a litany of felony charges stemming from an extensive year-long operation that reportedly spanned five counties.

The alleged criminal enterprise began in February 2023 and continued unchecked until February 2024, impacting establishments in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties.

Prosecutors detail a meticulously planned series of thefts where the trio exploited security vulnerabilities to pilfer cash boxes from the popular gaming terminals.

Central to the alleged operation was Michael Deegan, a former employee of a company responsible for servicing these very video gaming machines.

This prior employment reportedly granted him access to critical security keys, which he is accused of illicitly using to open the machines. Beyond merely opening the devices, the alleged perpetrators also went to great lengths to disable security cameras at the various locations, attempting to obscure their illicit activities.

The charges levied against the men are significant.

Michael Deegan and Vito Ng both face felony burglary charges, indicative of their alleged direct involvement in entering the establishments with intent to commit theft. Michael Deegan faces an additional, specific charge of possessing a stolen vehicle – a Porsche SUV – further complicating his legal woes.

Andrew S. Deegan is also charged with felony theft, accused of playing a crucial role in the wider conspiracy.

Investigators suggest that the theft was not a one-off event but a repeated pattern of criminal behavior. The defendants allegedly returned to the same video gaming locations multiple times, systematically emptying cash boxes and accumulating substantial sums over the course of the year.

This brazen and sustained nature of the thefts highlights the audacity of the alleged scheme.

The arrests of Michael Deegan, Andrew S. Deegan, and Vito Ng bring a partial resolution to a widespread issue that has undoubtedly caused significant losses for businesses hosting these gaming machines.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the full scope of their alleged actions and the impact on the local gaming industry will undoubtedly come into sharper focus. This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by businesses in safeguarding their assets against sophisticated criminal enterprises.