U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, has announced the conviction of Jesus Gaytan-Garcia by a federal jury. The 45-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, was found guilty of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization. His sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
"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. He commended the investigators at the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and FBI for their efforts in identifying Gaytan-Garcia as one of the perpetrators.
The trial revealed that on July 30, 2023, a fraudulent call was made to Hartford Four Winds Casino by someone claiming to be the tribal chairperson needing urgent funds. Misled by this deception, a casino employee withdrew $700,000 in cash and transported it across state lines to Gary, Indiana. There, two individuals received the money; evidence showed that Jesus Gaytan-Garcia was one of them.
During a search of Gaytan-Garcia's home in Chicago, authorities discovered cash wrapped with a paper band marked "Hartford" along with the theft date—July 30, 2023.
"The cooperative efforts of the FBI and our tribal law enforcement have resulted in justice for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians," stated Pokagon Band Chief of Police Mario RedLegs. He praised those involved in investigating and prosecuting Gaytan-Garcia.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan remarked on the importance of holding those accountable who are involved in large-scale thefts: "The conviction... represents a significant step toward justice and healing for the Pokagon Tribal Community."
This case was investigated collaboratively by both local tribal police and federal agencies including Assistant U.S Attorneys Erin Lane alongside Alexia Jansen leading prosecution efforts successfully securing this outcome.