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Published on January 17, 2025
Chicago Man Convicted in $700K Casino Scam at Hartford's Four Winds CasinoSource: U.S. Department of Justice

A Chicago man, identified as Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, 45, has been found guilty on charges connected to a casino scam that pilfered $700,000 from the Hartford Four Winds Casino. The conviction was announced by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten. According to a FOX 17 report, Gaytan-Garcia was convicted of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization, which cumulatively could potentially lead to a 15-year prison sentence.

On July 30, 2023, an employee of the casino fell victim to a fraudulent call made by someone claiming to be a tribal chairperson in urgent need of funds. As a result, the employee was convinced to swiftly transfer the cash across state lines to a gas station in Gary, Indiana. WZZM 13 detailed that at the location, the employee handed over the money to two men, one of whom was later identified as Gaytan-Garcia via evidence found in his home.

The investigation took a pivotal turn when a bundle of cash wrapped with a paper band labeled with the casino's location and the exact date of the theft was uncovered in Gaytan-Garcia's home. This evidence played a crucial role in establishing his guilt during the trial. In a statement obtained by MLive, Totten highlighted the rampant issue of telephone scams targeting casinos, indicating that vigilance and caution are paramount in such scenarios.

The collaborative efforts of the FBI and the Pokagon Tribal Police Department were instrumental in ensuring that Gaytan-Garcia was apprehended and subsequently convicted. "The cooperative efforts of the FBI and our tribal law enforcement has resulted in justice for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians,” said Pokagon Band Chief of Police Mario RedLegs, as reported by MLive. Although sentencing has yet to be scheduled, the conviction marks a significant closure for the tribal community affected by the heist.