Javier Francisco Vigil Incident at Wildhorse Resort and Casino

Javier Francisco Vigil, 54, has pleaded guilty to federal charges following a violent 2022 armed robbery at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino. The facility is located on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in eastern Oregon.

The plea occurred on April 7, 2026, during the second day of his trial. Vigil admitted to charges including attempted murder, robbery and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

Details of the Casino Robbery

According to court documents and reporting from KTVZ and KPTV, the incident began on August 17, 2022. Vigil entered the Wildhorse Resort and Casino and proceeded directly to the cashier cage located within the gaming area.

Once at the cage, Vigil handed a note to the cashier demanding $1 million. He then drew a holstered pistol, pointed it at the employee, and threatened to bathe everyone in blood.

Vigil successfully obtained nearly $70,000 in cash before exiting the casino premises.

The Confrontation and Arrest

As Vigil attempted to flee the scene, he encountered a responding Umatilla tribal police officer. Federal prosecutors state that Vigil fired his weapon at the officer.

The officer returned fire, striking Vigil and leading to his apprehension.

Legal Proceedings and Indictments

Following the event, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count superseding indictment on December 19, 2023. The charges included:

• Attempted murder
• Interference with commerce by robbery
• Use of a firearm during a crime of violence
• Assault with a dangerous weapon
• Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon (Armed Career Criminal Act)

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon announced the guilty plea. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department.

Additional assistance in the case was provided by several agencies, including the ATF, the Hermiston Police Department, the Pendleton Police Department, Oregon State Police, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams and Arin Heinz.

Sentencing Schedule

Javier Francisco Vigil is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2026, before a U.S. District court judge.