Stateline, Nev. — Douglas County investigators apprehended a man late Tuesday night, accused of stealing artifacts valued at over $10,000 from the Sage Restaurant located on the 19th floor of Harvey’s Hotel-Casino.
Bryan James Shuey appeared in Tahoe Township Justice Court on Thursday morning, facing two felony counts of business burglary. He is currently held in Douglas County custody with bail set at $50,000, according to jail records.
The investigation commenced on March 13, when deputies responded to reports of multiple decorative artifacts stolen from the Sage Restaurant between the close of business on March 10 and the reopening on March 13. Initial investigations did not identify any suspects, as stated by Sheriff Dan Coverley on Thursday.
Acting on a hunch after observing remaining artifacts displayed in the restaurant, investigators concealed themselves within the premises on March 18. They observed an individual dressed in dark clothing and a head covering moving stealthily across the dining area, seizing an artifact, and proceeding toward the stairway exit.
“While attempting to leave, investigative personnel approached the perpetrator and took him into custody without incident,” Sheriff Coverley reported.
Subsequently, on Wednesday, investigators executed a search warrant on a hotel room at Harvey’s associated with Shuey. “During the hotel room search, two confirmed stolen artifacts from the Sage Restaurant were located,” Coverley noted. The recovered artifacts have since been returned to Harvey’s security personnel.
The swift apprehension underscores the diligence of Douglas County investigators in protecting local businesses and preserving cultural artifacts.
