Demetrius Anthony Gomez, Theft from Tribal Organization, Pocatello …

POCATELLO – In a grim revelation from the federal courts, Demetrius Anthony Gomez, 28, of Fort Hall, Idaho, has pleaded guilty to theft from a tribal organization, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson disclosed. Gomez was charged by a federal grand jury back on May 28, 2014.

On April 2, 2014, Gomez, an off-duty worker at the Sage Hill Travel Center—a gas station, convenience store, and casino on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation—entered the establishment at around 3:50 am. Claiming to check the schedule, he made his way to the rear office before slipping out of the store. His fellow employee, however, grew suspicious upon reviewing surveillance footage from the room, revealing Gomez had taken money from the safe. Further investigation showed Gomez re-entered the store while the employee was inspecting the back office, and he stole additional funds from a box beneath the cash register, totaling $1,984. This sum belongs to the Sage Hill Travel Center, an Indian tribal organization of the Fort Hall Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

Theft from a tribal organization is met with severe penalties, including up to five years in prison, fines reaching $250,000, and supervised release for up to three years. Gomez faces these consequences, and his sentencing hearing is set for May 12, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge.

This case has been thoroughly investigated by the Fort Hall Police Department, ensuring justice is served for the Sage Hill Travel Center and its tribal community.

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