Former Pechanga casino executive indicted over theft

Friday, February 5, 2010  

A former gaming executive for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians of California has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than $4 million from the tribe.

James William Riley, 46, was the chief financial officer of the Pechanga Resort & Casino. When he left the casino to work for the tribal government in a similar position, another executive encountered questionable financial transactions.

Riley allegedly allowed insurance broker Ryan Jay Robinson, 39, to charge the tribe higher premiums. Riley allegedly pocketed a $100,000 kickback from Robinson.

"We uncovered evidence of fraud and theft against the Pechanga Tribe and immediately launched a detailed internal investigation," Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro said in a written statement. "Our investigation found millions of dollars were stolen. It is our understanding that no patrons, employees or business partners were affected by the inappropriate activities of these individuals."

Get the Story:
Two accused of defrauding Pechanga tribe of $4 million (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 2/5)
Ex-casino CFO, insurance broker, indicted (The North County Times 2/4)
Indictments unsealed against insurance broker and Pechanga ex-financial exec who is accused of taking bribes (The Fallbrook Valley News 2/4)
Man accused of overcharging Pechanga tribe $4 million in insurance premiums (Southwest Riverside News Network 2/4)