GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Jesus Gaytan-Garcia has been charged by a federal grand jury with the interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from the Hartford Four Winds Casino, as announced by U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. The casino is owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, and Gaytan-Garcia faced his initial court appearance today regarding the indictment.
The charges stem from a sophisticated scam on July 30, 2023, when an individual claiming to be the tribal chairperson directed a casino employee to deliver $700,000 in cash to a gas station in Gary, Indiana. The employee was deceived into handing over the substantial sum to two individuals, one of whom has been identified as Gaytan-Garcia following a thorough investigation by the Pokagon Tribal Police and the FBI.
Investigators found evidence at Gaytan-Garcia’s residence linking him to the crime, including a bundle of cash wrapped in a band marked with “Hartford” and the date of the theft. This indictment highlights the ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect businesses from phone and internet scams.
U.S. Attorney Totten and Pokagon Tribal Police Chief Mario RedLegs emphasized the importance of vigilance against scams and the dedication of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. The case against Gaytan-Garcia sends a strong message against criminal activities targeting casinos and other enterprises.