Man convicted of robbery, kidnapping at Hollywood Casino

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A guilty verdict was reached in what is believed to be the first prosecuted casino robbery case in Indiana. 

Investigators said 42-year-old Daniel Birdseye, of Cincinnati, was armed with a handgun when he robbed employees at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg in March 2024. 

Birdseye allegedly forced employees into secured areas, stole large amounts of cash, and forced an employee to act as a hostage while escorting him out of the casino.

He was later apprehended near the casino in the Oxbow Nature Conservancy. 

Police said he admitted to committing the robbery with a loaded gun.

On Thursday, a Dearborn County jury found Birdseye guilty of Kidnapping, Criminal Confinement with a Deadly Weapon and Intimidation after a four-day trial.

He also pled guilty to Robbery While Armed with a Deadly Weapon. 

The jury acquitted Birdseye on one count of Criminal Confinement While Armed with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Intimidation While Armed with a Deadly Weapon. 

The case was tried by Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens, Chief Deputy Prosecutor John Watson, and Deputy Prosecutor Brendan Jones.

Deddens commended the victims and law enforcement officers whose actions led to Birdseye’s conviction.

“This case involved an extraordinary coordinated response from law enforcement, investigators, casino staff and emergency personnel from the moment the robbery occurred,” Deddens said. “Because of that coordinated effort, a dangerous armed offender was apprehended quickly, critical evidence was preserved, and the jury was able to hear the full scope of the defendant’s actions. We are grateful that no innocent lives were lost during this incident.”

Deddens also thanked the jury for its service throughout the trial.

“The jurors devoted significant time and attention to this case and were asked to carefully consider extensive evidence, surveillance footage, and witness testimony,” Deddens said. “The jury’s attention to detail and commitment to reaching a fair verdict after hearing extensive testimony and evidence is sincerely appreciated.”

Birdseye is expected to be sentenced on August 4.