Authorities said the man convinced a casino employee to take $700,000 to a gas station in Gary, Indiana, to be handed off.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Chicago man was convicted Friday for his connection to a heist that took $700,000 from a Hartford casino.
Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, 45, was found guilty Friday of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization.
On July 30, 2023, an employee at the Hartford Four Winds Casino answered a call from a man claiming to be the tribal chairperson. The employee was told that the caller needed to make an “urgent payment.”
The employee then followed the caller’s instructions to take $700,000 in cash and meet at a gas station in Gary, Indiana. Authorities said the employee handed the cash over to two people at the gas station.
Gaytan-Garcia’s home was later searched, and a bundle of cash was found with a paper band that read “Hartford” and “July 30, 2023″—the date of the theft.
“This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “Thanks to the persistent and dedicated investigators at the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and FBI, Mr. Gaytan-Garcia was identified as one of the perpetrators of this theft-scam and is being held accountable for this bold crime.”
“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. “I am extremely proud of the professional teamwork that was put forth by those involved in the investigation. The diligence of the investigative team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office was vital to hold Mr. Gaytan-Garcia responsible for the crimes he committed against the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.”
Gaytan-Garcia’s sentencing date has not yet been announced.
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