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DETROIT, Michigan (WWJ) — A federal jury has convicted an Illinois man of interstate transportation of stolen cash and theft from an Indian tribal group.
The case includes fraud that befell at 4 Winds On line casino Hartford in western Michigan’s Van Buren County. The defendant in that case — 45-year-old Jesus Gayton-Garcia, of Chicago — might be sentenced at a later date, in keeping with the report from Mark Totton, U.S. Lawyer for the Western District of Michigan.
“The cooperative efforts of the FBI and our tribal regulation enforcement has resulted in justice for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians,” Pokagon Band Chief of Police Mario RedLegs stated in regards to the case.
Particulars associated on the trial clarify {that a} cellphone name got here to the 4 Winds on line casino on July 30, 2023, with the caller falsely claiming he was the tribal chairperson and wanted funds to make an pressing cost.
A on line casino supervisory worker was apparently misled by the statements on the decision, took $700,000 in money and walked out of the on line casino. On the route of the caller, the worker delivered that money throughout state strains to a gasoline station in Gary, Indiana, the place the worker handed the cash over to 2 individuals.
“Because of the persistent and devoted investigators on the Pokagon Tribal Police Division and FBI, Mr. Gaytan-Garcia was recognized as one of many perpetrators of this theft-scam and is being held accountable for this daring crime,” Totten stated.
When investigators searched the suspect’s dwelling in Chicago, they discovered a bundle of money wrapped in a paper band stamped with the phrase “Hartford” and the date of the theft.
“This case underscores the necessity for companies, organizations, and residents to be diligent and cautious about cellphone and web scams,” Totten stated.
“I’m extraordinarily happy with the skilled teamwork that was put forth by these concerned within the investigation. The diligence of the investigative workforce and the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace was important to carry Mr. Gaytan-Garcia answerable for the crimes he dedicated towards the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s St. Joseph Resident Company and the FBI Chicago Area Workplace assisted the tribal police and the U.S. District Lawyer’s workplace within the case.
“The conviction of Jesus Gaytan-Garcia represents a big step towards justice and therapeutic for the Pokagon Tribal Group,” stated Cheyvoryea Gibson, Particular Agent in Cost of the FBI in Michigan. “These concerned in large-scale thefts might be held accountable for his or her actions.”
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