A federal jury has convicted 45-year-old Jesus Gayton-Garcia of Chicago on charges of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization. The case centers around a $700,000 theft that took place at the Four Winds Casino in Hartford, Michigan, on July 30, 2023.
The fraud unfolded when a caller, impersonating the tribal chairperson, convinced a casino employee to withdraw $700,000 in cash for an urgent payment. The employee, misled by the call, handed over the money and followed the instructions to transport it across state lines to a gas station in Gary, Indiana. There, the employee handed the cash over to two individuals.
FBI agents and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police worked tirelessly to identify Gayton-Garcia as one of the perpetrators. Investigators later found a bundle of cash at Gayton-Garcia’s home, wrapped in a paper band with the word “Hartford” and the date of the theft.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totton praised the investigation, highlighting the teamwork between the FBI and tribal law enforcement. “This case underscores the need for individuals and organizations to be vigilant against phone and internet scams,” Totton stated.
Gayton-Garcia’s conviction marks an important step toward justice for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The case was supported by the FBI’s St. Joseph Resident Agency and the FBI Chicago Field Office.