A Las Vegas couple has been arrested for allegedly stealing $652,000 in cash and casino chips from Primm Valley Casino on July 19. John Salmen, 63, and his wife Lydia, 70, are facing charges of theft exceeding $100,000 and attempted business burglary.

John Salmen, a former National Weather Service meteorologist with over 20 years of experience, likely earned a six-figure salary. Police discovered a $12,039 medical bill and insurance denial notice at the couple's home, citing these as potential motives for the theft.

The couple met in South Dakota, where John worked as a pre-vocational instructor and Lydia was employed at Fort Meade VA hospital. They married on September 1, 1988. John began his meteorology career in 1999, later working in Santa Teresa, Texas.

According to police reports, Lydia jumped over an unstaffed cashier's cage counter at Primm Valley Casino Resort, located 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas. She allegedly took $625,000 in currency and $27,000 in casino chips over several trips to her car.

The suspects were identified through surveillance footage and a police body camera that captured their Nissan hatchback's license plate during an unrelated visit on June 25. They are currently detained at Clark County Detention Center, awaiting an August 20 court date, and face potential prison sentences if convicted.

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