GRAND RAPIDS – In a significant development in the fight against crime, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, made an announcement today regarding the conviction of 45-year-old Jesus Gaytan-Garcia from Chicago, Illinois. A federal jury found him guilty of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization. The court will schedule a sentencing date for Mr. Gaytan-Garcia shortly.
“This case highlights the crucial importance of vigilance among businesses, organizations, and individuals against the rising tide of phone and internet scams,” remarked U.S. Attorney Totten. He expressed gratitude towards the diligent and unwavering efforts of the investigators from the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and the FBI. Their hard work led to Gaytan-Garcia being identified as a key player in this brazen theft scam, and now he is facing the consequences of his actions.
During the trial, compelling evidence was presented revealing the shocking details of the crime that occurred on July 30, 2023. A deceptive phone call reached the Hartford Four Winds Casino, where the caller, who falsely impersonated the tribal chairperson, urgently requested funds for an immediate payment. Misled by the caller’s fraudulent assertions, a supervisory employee at the casino unwittingly withdrew a staggering $700,000 in cash. Under the direction of the imposter, the employee transported the cash across state lines to a gas station in Gary, Indiana. There, in a disconcerting turn of events, the employee handed over the substantial amount to two unidentified individuals. The investigation later conclusively established that Jesus Gaytan-Garcia was one of those recipients.
Following a thorough investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Gaytan-Garcia’s residence in Chicago, where they uncovered a shocking piece of evidence: a bundle of cash still wrapped in a paper band prominently stamped with the word “Hartford,” signifying the location of the robbed Four Winds Casino, along with the precise date of the theft, July 30, 2023.
“The collaborative efforts of the FBI and our tribal law enforcement agencies have paved the way for justice to be served for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians,” stated Mario RedLegs, Chief of Police for the Pokagon Band. He expressed immense pride in the professional teamwork exhibited throughout the investigation, noting that the steadfast dedication of the investigative team and the U.S. Attorney's Office played a pivotal role in holding Gaytan-Garcia accountable for the crimes committed against the tribal community.
"The conviction of Jesus Gaytan-Garcia marks a crucial milestone towards achieving justice and healing for the Pokagon Tribal Community," commented Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. He assured that those involved in large-scale thefts will face repercussions for their actions. Gibson expressed gratitude for the committed investigative efforts by the team at the FBI’s St. Joseph Resident Agency, in collaboration with the FBI Chicago Field Office and the Pokagon Tribal Police Department, alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, whose teamwork was instrumental in securing this successful prosecution.
The case was thoroughly investigated by the Pokagon Band Tribal Police in partnership with the FBI, and the prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Lane and Alexia Jansen.
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