Man who stole from Pechanga Band also cheated Pauma Band


Casino Pauma. Photo from Facebook

A California man who was convicted of cheating the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians has pleaded guilty to stealing from the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians.

James William Riley was an insurance broker who failed to return $172,000 in worker's compensation insurance premiums to the Pauma Band. He pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts involving theft and embezzlement from the Casino Pauma.

"When Riley chose to follow his greed and rip off his clients, he violated his fiduciary responsibilities and their trust," California Department of Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a press release. "This case is another example of my commitment and continued support for joint investigations of workers' compensation fraud that cost California consumers billions of dollars every year."

Riley, 50, is serving a 32-month prison term in connection with the theft from the Pechanga Band. He faces 16 months for the Pauma Band case.

Get the Story:
Ex-Pechanga insurance broker scammed second casino (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 5/8)

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