Convictions Made in 'Movie-Like' Heist at Aqueduct

A federal jury in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 21 convicted a man of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection to the theft of more than $280,000 in cash at Aqueduct Racetrack after a day of racing more than two years ago, according to a release from the Department of Justice.

The convicted individual, Lafayette Morrison, was accused of working with Lamel Miller to steal funds that were transported to the vault at the conclusion of the day's races on March 7, 2020, the date of the Gotham Stakes (G3).

Morrison and Miller were also convicted of brandishing a firearm, and Morrison of obstruction of justice, the release said. Miller pled guilty to the robbery in September. 

Morrison, who was employed as a racetrack security guard, posed as a victim as Miller and another co-conspirator confronted a group of employees at gunpoint after hiding in a stairwell, the Department of Justice release said.

"Their armed robbery of Aqueduct Racetrack played out like a Hollywood movie heist, but with a bad ending for the defendants who now face steep prison sentences," said Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. 

The proceeds from the robbery were divided between Miller, a co-conspirator, and Morrison, according to the Department of Justice.

When sentenced, Miller and Morrison face minimum sentences of seven years imprisonment up to life imprisonment.