Ex-Weatherman and Wife Charged in $652K Las Vegas Casino Heist
A Las Vegas couple has been arrested for allegedly stealing $652K from Primm Valley Casino, with new details emerging about their background and possible motives.
John Salmen, 63, worked as a National Weather Service meteorologist for over 20 years, likely earning a six-figure salary. His wife Lydia, 70, previously worked at Fort Meade Veterans Health Administration hospital in Sturgis.
Mugshots of arrested man and woman
Police discovered a $12,039 medical bill at the couple's Las Vegas home, along with a note from their insurance provider denying coverage for certain medications. Investigators consider this medical debt a possible motive for the heist.
The theft occurred on July 18 at Primm Valley Casino Resort, located 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas. According to police reports, Lydia jumped over the unmanned cashier's cage counter and took $625K in currency and $27K in casino chips, making several trips to their car.
Primm Valley Casino illuminated sign
The couple was identified through police body cam footage from an unrelated incident at the property on June 25, which captured their Nissan hatchback's license plate. Both suspects are currently held at Clark County Detention Center, facing charges of theft exceeding $100K and attempted business burglary. Their court date is set for August 20.
The couple's South Dakota roots trace back to their 1988 wedding at Chapel in the Hills. John, a graduate of Brown High School and Black Hills State College, began his meteorology career in 1999, eventually working in various locations including Santa Teresa, Texas.
