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Surveillance video helps convict New Jersey casino thief in $5,600 heist

Thursday, April 6, 2000 | 12:57 p.m.

"The one witness he didn't count on was the video camera," said Deputy Attorney General James Ruberton. "It was abundantly clear from the tape that it was him."

Kareem Lamar, 36, of Atlantic City robbed the cart Nov. 27, 1997, at the Atlantic City Hilton.

On the tape, made by casino surveillance, Lamar could be seen loitering in a $5 slot machine area before sliding open a door on a cart operated by Hilton employee Loretta Fondozzi and grabbing the money from it.

Fondozzi, who got a good look at Lamar, identified him from a photograph taken two days earlier at the Claridge Casino Hotel, where Lamar allegedly tried to steal money. The photograph was circulated among the casinos to alert them about Lamar.

Jurors deliberated for about three hours before finding Lamar guilty of third-degree theft by unlawful taking.

"I think the quality of the video left a lot to be desired," said defense attorney Kevin Moses. "That's probably why it took the jury so long."

Moses said he would appeal the conviction.

Judge Robert Neustadter set sentencing for April 20. Lamar, who has a lengthy record and will be sentenced as a persistent offender, could get 10 years without parole.

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