An illegal Mexican immigrant who stole $700,000 from a western Michigan casino in 2023 has been charged with criminal charges, according to reports. detroit news. Investigators said the man posed as the tribe’s chairman and told the casino he needed money for an urgent payment.
Jesús Gaitan Garcia, 43, was taken into custody last week and charged with participating in a plot to steal money from the Four Winds Casino in Hartford on July 30, 2023, according to reports. Mark Totten, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
“The amount of money involved in this theft is extraordinary,” Totten said. “Unfortunately, cases of telephone fraud at casinos are on the rise nationwide, impacting both tribal and commercial gaming operations. Thanks to the dedicated joint investigation between Pokagon Tribal Police and the FBI We were able to identify and arrest one of the perpetrators of this scheme, which targeted the Hartford Four Winds Casino.”
The casino is operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, officials said. Authorities filed a federal criminal complaint against Gaytan last week, which was unsealed Wednesday, according to reports.
Gaitan was charged with theft and embezzlement from a tribal organization. If convicted of the charges, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
The defrauded employee said he collected $700,000 in cash, left the casino, took it to a gas station in Gary, Indiana, and gave it to two strangers.
daily mail report FBI agents and Pokagon Tribal Police eventually arrested Gaetan as a suspect and said they believed him to be one of the men given the money by casino employees. The complaint further stated that Gaitan “does not have legal authorization to remain in the United States.”
Last week, authorities raided Gaytan’s home in Chicago. A wad of cash was found in a safe in the basement, still wrapped in a paper band, stamped “Hartford” and dated July 30, 2023.
“Gaitan Garcia’s arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of the cooperation between Pokagon Tribal Police and the FBI,” said Pokagon Tribal Police Chief Mario Redlegs. “We are extremely grateful for the assistance and support of U.S. Attorney Mark Totten and his staff in prosecuting those who violate the law on Pokagon Band lands.”
“The FBI, in collaboration with Pokagon Band Tribal Police, successfully tracked down and identified the perpetrators involved in a fraudulent scheme against the Hartford Four Winds Casino. These crimes have a significant impact on community confidence. We take this crime very seriously,” said Chevorie Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Michigan FBI.
“The FBI is committed to investigating wrongdoing and ensuring justice for all victims. Together with our partners, we are committed to protecting those who engage in illegal activity like this and believe they will get away with it.” We are ready to take strong action against the people.”
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