Eduardo Riojas Villarreal, Embezzlement, Texas 2019

DEL RIO – A shocking case of embezzlement has shaken the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. Eduardo Riojas Villarreal, a 50-year-old former employee, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for stealing money from the tribe.

Villarreal’s scheme involved writing fraudulent checks payable to his wife from the Kickapoo general operating account. The account is primarily funded by revenue from the Lucky Eagle Casino. He deposited those checks into his own personal bank account. Villarreal admitted there was no legitimate basis for issuing these checks and that his wife knew nothing about his scheme.

According to court documents, Villarreal served as an accounts payable manager for the Kickapoo for approximately four years beginning in April 2017. During his tenure, he orchestrated the embezzlement scheme, causing the tribe to lose a significant amount of money.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Alia Moses ordered Villarreal to pay $167,109.41 in restitution to the Kickapoo and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.

The FBI conducted this investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sydni Connell, Sarah Spears, and Justin Chung prosecuted the case.

This case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in financial dealings. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has taken steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

Eduardo Riojas Villarreal’s case serves as a reminder that embezzlement is a serious crime with severe consequences. The fact that he has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution is a testament to the seriousness of his actions.

The tribe’s trust in its employees has been shaken, and it will take time for the community to heal and rebuild trust. However, with the help of law enforcement agencies and the justice system, the tribe can move forward and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

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