Casino.org recently reported on a shocking incident involving John and Lydia Salmen, an older couple who were caught stealing over $652K in cash and casino chips from the cashier’s cage at Primm Valley Casino in Nevada on July 19. The couple, John aged 63 and Lydia aged 70, were taken into custody following the heist. Lydia was photographed with a black eye, though the reason for her injury remains unknown.
While income doesn’t always reflect financial status accurately, John Salmen likely earned a six-figure salary during his time as a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. Authorities found a medical bill for $12,039 and a note from their health insurance provider in the couple’s Las Vegas home. The medical debt was considered a potential motive for the crime, although it’s unclear which of the suspects incurred the bill.
John Salmen had a long career as a meteorologist, working for over 20 years at the National Weather Service. His seniority at the NWS would typically result in an annual income of at least $100K. John and Lydia tied the knot in South Dakota in 1988, with John starting his career as an intern in 1999 before eventually moving to Texas to work for the NWS.
The robbery at Primm Valley Casino involved Lydia jumping over the cashier’s cage counter and stealing a significant amount of money and chips. She transported the stolen items to their car over multiple trips while the cage was unstaffed. The couple was charged with theft and attempted burglary, with authorities identifying them through their vehicle’s license plate captured on a police body cam during a previous visit to the property.
As of now, John and Lydia Salmen are in custody at the Clark County Detention Center, awaiting a court date in August. If found guilty, they could be facing a prison sentence. Attempts to reach the National Weather Service for comment were unsuccessful, as both John Salmen’s phone number and email were disconnected. The case continues to develop as more details emerge.
