Michigan Casino $700K AI Scam Leads to Conviction

Posted on: January 17, 2025, 02:59h. 

Last updated on: January 17, 2025, 02:59h.

A man recently was found guilty in a complex plot that tricked an employee to steal $700K from Michigan’s Hartford Four Winds Casino.

Hartford Four Winds Casino
Hartford Four Winds Casino, pictured above. A person was convicted in a theft plot aimed at the casino. (Image: Tripadvisor)

Jurors reached a verdict that convicted Jesus Gaytan-Garcia of transporting stolen money across state lines and theft from an Indian tribal organization, according to U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten.

So far, it’s not clear how long a sentence will be imposed. Nor is it known when the sentencing will take place, according to Michigan TV station WOOD.

Claimed To Be Tribal Chair

The incident took place on July 30, 2023. A caller phoned a casino cage supervisor and lied that he was the Pokagon tribal chair.

He ordered the worker to gather $700K in cash for an emergency payment and bring it to two people in Gary, Indiana.

The employee collected the cash and took it to the designated location.

Money Was Delivered

Gaytan-Garcia was one of the people to whom the money was delivered, authorities said.

Evidence was found in Gaytan-Garcia’s residence that linked him to the crime.

This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams,” Totten said in a statement.

Weeks before the incident, the Nevada Gaming Control Board revealed such scams were taking place via phone calls which used artificial intelligence and targeted casino employees.

The cage employee, Danika Young, 38, was charged with embezzlement by an employee of $100,000 or more. But the charge was dismissed.

If convicted on the charge, she faced up to 20 years in prison.

During a court appearance, Young apologized to Van Buren County Judge Arthur H. Clarke for what she did.

I’m very sorry for what happened. This is my first charge, sir,” Young had said in court.

Before the incident, Young worked at Four Winds for 16 years. While in custody, her bond was set at $1M.

No word on other suspects getting convicted in connection with the case.

Four Winds Hartford Casino is located in Hartford, Mich. It’s some 80 miles south of Grand Rapids.

The gaming property is one of four that are owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.