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Man Accused Of Robbing Magic City Casino Winners

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Sometimes winning big isn't all it's cracked up to be.

 

That was the case for two jackpot winners recently at Miami's Magic City Casino when they became victims in two separate robberies.

 

Osmar Romero, 27, is charged with strong arm robbery, battery on a person 65 or older, armed robbery and attempted felony murder.

 

According to police reports, Romero targeted winners leaving Magic City Casino.

 

In one case earlier this month, police said Romero admitted to following an elderly gentleman to his Miami Shores home, pushing him to the ground, and stealing an envelop containing $8000 cash, the man's winnings for the evening.

 

Investigators said Romero confessed to committing a similar crime last month.

In that instance, a woman and her boyfriend had won about $10,000 at the casino.

The report said Romero followed the elderly couple to their Miami home, and yanked the woman's purse while wielding a crow bar.

The force, according to investigators, knocked the 70-year-old woman to the ground, causing her to sustain a serious head injury.

She's now out of the hospital, but the arrest affidavit stated the woman may never completely recover.

Romero is being held without bond.

One of the victims who declined to speak on camera told CBS4 he's relieved an arrest has been made.

He said he will likely be more cognizant of his surroundings next time he goes to a casino. He added he'll request any future jackpot payouts be in check form, instead of cash.

Watch Lauren Pastrana's report, click here.

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