Accused Resorts Atlantic City Thief Previously Convicted 44 Times
A man with 44 prior convictions is back in jail after reportedly stealing an envelope containing cash from a woman's purse at the Resorts Atlantic City casino.
Michael Taylor, 65, who was living on the streets when the theft occurred, reportedly took the cash while the victim was close to a slot machine at the Atlantic City casino last month, as stated by New Jersey Deputy Attorney General Nicole Wise.
The victim had the purse on their arm when the theft occurred. The occurrence was recorded on casino security footage, as reported by BreakingAC.com.
Authorities recognized Taylor as the individual responsible. He was taken into custody, showed up in court last week, and is still held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Taylor was initially apprehended in 1978 at the age of 19. Prosecutors disclosed that among his prior 44 convictions, 36 are related to theft.
In July, he finished serving a three-year term at South Woods State Prison in New Jersey. According to BreakingAC.com, he was found guilty in twelve cases of theft by unlawful taking.
On November 3, he faced new charges following allegations of illegal acquisition in Atlantic City. He showed up in court on November 19 regarding that charge. Only hours later, he is said to have taken the envelope at the casino.
Wise was angered by his repeated actions, particularly shortly after a court appearance.
“Quite frankly, it’s just a complete thumbing of his nose at the court,” Wise said during Taylor’s court appearance before Atlantic County Judge, Jeffrey Wilson.
Attorney Attributes to 'Social Problems'
Taylor’s public defender, John Bjorklund, argued that “significant social issues are at play here, and there is a causative factor that places individuals in these situations,” reported BreakingAC.com. “Did he become a criminal by birth, or is there a reason that homeless individuals — which this defendant was during the crime — are engaging in these kinds of offenses?”
Wise replied that if Taylor requires "assistance," the public defender’s office should provide him with the necessary help, and Taylor must engage in the proposed solution.
"It is not then the burden of the rest of society and particularly of the citizens of the city of Atlantic City and all of the individuals who come into Atlantic City casinos to say, ‘Well I’m going to let Mr. Taylor steal from me until he gets the help that he needs,’” Wise said in court. “The unfortunate reality is he needs to be incarcerated in order to protect the public.”
Judge Wilson expressed worry about Taylor’s criminal history, stating it reflects a "persistent and unrestrained contempt for our laws."
“Those coming to Atlantic City to enjoy gambling should be free from any concerns that items will be taken, especially from a purse that’s on your arm,” Wilson added.
Never Added to Exclusion List
While testifying in court, Taylor disclosed that he had previously requested to be added to the state's casino exclusion list. However, that did not occur.
“They never put me on the exclusion list to try to help me deter from the casino crime that I was basically doing,” Taylor revealed to the judge.
