PHOENIX MAN SENTENCED TO 6 ½ YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR
ARMORED CAR ROBBERY AT RESERVATION CASINO

PHOENIX –Ismar Kabaklic, 26, of Phoenix, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell on March 24, 2008 to 6 ½ years in federal prison. Kabaklic pleaded guilty on August 30, 2007 to Interference with Commerce by Threats, Violence and Robbery.

On July 21, 2006, Kabaklic and three other men joined a conspiracy and executed a robbery of an armored car which was off-loading money at Casino Arizona on the Salt River Indian Reservation. Kabaklic, armed with a simulated AK-47 assault rifle, and one of his co-defendants, Adnan Alisic, approached the armored car drivers as they were off-loading money. Alisic sprayed the armored car guard with pepper spray.

The men stole over $700,000 from the armored car and sped away in their vehicle. The plan the men had devised included an elaborate escape plan which involved them entering the city sewer system through a manhole cover. While in the sewer, the men planned to ride an ATV in the sewer to an exit manhole. However, the men were unable to get the manhole cover open, thus allowing the police to catch up with them. A high-speed chase ensued.

When the get-away van came to a stop, Alisic fled on foot and escaped. Kabaklic stopped to try to get the bags of money and was arrested by police officers. Further investigation revealed that at least two other men were involved in the planning of the robbery and the escape. Kabaklic confessed to his involvement and provided the names of the remaining conspirators. All were arrested on that date.

Other conspirators include Adnan Alisic, convicted at trial and scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2008; Daniel Mujkic who pleaded guilty to the robbery and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2008; and Bakir Mujkic who helped plan the robbery and was sentenced on March 10, 2008 to two years in prison.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Salt River and Scottsdale Police Departments. The prosecution was handled by Sharon Sexton and Mark Brnovich, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-06-717-PHX-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-071(Kabaklic)

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/az/