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Convicted Thief Stole $700,000 from Michigan Casino
A federal jury in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has convicted Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, 45, of Chicago, Illinois, of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization. The sentencing date has yet to be set by the court.
The case, investigated by the Pokagon Band Tribal Police and the FBI, began on July 30, 2023, when a call came into the Hartford Four Winds Casino claiming that the tribal chairperson needed urgent funds. A supervisory employee was misled by the caller’s fraudulent claims and took $700,000 in cash, transporting it across state lines to a gas station in Gary, Indiana, where it was handed over to two unknown individuals. Jesus Gaytan-Garcia was identified as one of those individuals.
When investigators searched Gaytan-Garcia’s home in Chicago, they found a bundle of cash still wrapped in a paper band with the word ‘Hartford’ and the date ‘July 30, 2023,’ stamped on it.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten praised the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Pokagon Tribal Police Department, stating, ‘This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations, and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams.’
The conviction is a significant step toward justice and healing for the Pokagon Tribal Community, according to Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Lane and Alexia Jansen.
Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, Defendant, 45, Chicago, Illinois
Exact Criminal Charges: Interstate transportation of stolen money, theft from an Indian tribal organization
City and State: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Exact Date: July 30, 2023 (crime date)
Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing date to be set by the court
Dollar Amounts: $700,000
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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