Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Authorities arrest Chicago broker found hiding out in Las Vegas for 32 years

Man working as sports bookie at Rampart Casino in Summerlin

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Arthur Jones

A former Chicago commodities broker who was missing for 32 years and declared legally dead has been arrested after he was found working as a sports book writer at the Rampart Casino in Summerlin for the past decade.

Arthur Jones, 72, was arrested and charged Tuesday with felony false identity, identity theft and fraud, authorities said today.

Jones, who was released on $20,000 bail, is scheduled to be arraigned on felony charges Aug. 23 in Las Vegas Justice Court.

Jones was living in Las Vegas under the alias of Joseph Sandelli and is believed to have used that name since his disappearance from Highland Park, Il., in 1979. His arrest came after a complaint regarding the fraudulent use of a Social Security number.

The reason for his disappearance was unclear but authorities in Chicago said he might have met some trouble because of gambling debts and possible organized crime affiliations.

Jones was declared legally deceased in 1986 and his wife and children collected Social Security benefits as a result. Investigators say Jones obtained a false Illinois driver license, birth certificate and Social Security number he claims to have purchased in 1979 for $800 in Chicago. He allegedly used the documents to get a Nevada driver license in 1988.

In a press release DMV spokesman Kevin Malone said all four of Jones’ felony charges carry a minimum term in prison.

"Nevada has some pretty tough laws on using other people's identities or false identities. Just possessing a false birth certificate is a felony offense in this state, so he is facing four felonies and they are pretty serious charges," Malone said.

A joint investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles’ Compliance Enforcement Division found the false driver license under the name of Sandelli.

The Social Security Administration is continuing its investigation into Jones.

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