A 17-year-old suspect who surrendered over his alleged role in the 2023 cyberattacks against two major Las Vegas casino operators was released to his parents under strict supervision.
During his initial hearing before Family Court Judge Dee Smart Butler in Las Vegas, the teenager originally from the Chicago area was ordered to remain in Clark County and comply with several technical and administrative restrictions.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Judge Butler imposed stringent measures to mitigate the risk of further illicit activity.
The teen, originally from the Chicago area, must remain within Clark County under parental supervision and is barred from unsupervised internet access.
Review Journal reports that his use of cell phones and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited unless for approved academic purposes or when accompanied by a parent. Prosecutors, intent on trying him as an adult, will revisit that determination at a November hearing.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Summer Clarke disclosed that the suspect is accused of orchestrating network intrusions resulting in millions of dollars in damage, including the theft of sensitive data such as Social Security numbers.
Clarke emphasized that the teen’s capabilities and the sophistication of the attacks warranted adult prosecution.
The defense team, led by attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, argued against continued detention, characterizing the prosecution’s stance as “disingenuous” and highlighting the suspect’s lack of prior criminal history.
Butler ultimately agreed with the defense, citing the presence of the teen’s parents and grandmother at a temporary rental in Clark County and ordering “intense” surveillance. Any disobedience of these orders will lead to immediate probation detention.
Between August and October 2023, multiple Las Vegas casino properties experienced “sophisticated network intrusions” attributed to a threat group known as Scattered Spider, Octo Tempest, UNC3944, or 0ktapus.
MGM Resorts International suffered approximately $200 million in damages, while Caesars Entertainment reportedly paid $15 million in a ransomware settlement.
Authorities believe the teen still controls roughly $1.8 million worth of bitcoin acquired during the attacks, though its current location remains unknown.
Search warrants executed by the FBI on the suspect’s Illinois residence in December 2023 and February 2025 yielded digital evidence linking him to the breaches.
Prosecutors allege the intrusions involved exploitation of exposed RDP services and SQL injection payloads.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed counts of obtaining or using personally identifying information, extortion, and unlawful computer-related acts in connection with the case.
As the community awaits the November hearing, the release of this minor under strict conditions signals the delicate balance between juvenile justice protocols and the severity of cybercrime.
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