The Cornerstone Report: Volume 2, Issue 1

Six Indicted In Scheme to Steal Tribal Casino Funds

(San Antonio, Texas)—Six people, including a Texas state representative and a former tribal leader, were indicted for their alleged roles in a scheme to steal a total of more than $900,000 from the Kickapoo Indian Tribe.

The individuals named in the Dec. 9, 2004, federal indictment face various charges of conspiracy, theft, money laundering and tax violations in a scheme to defraud the tribe of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The indictment alleges that Isidro Garza, a tribal gaming representative, used the operating accounts of his tribe’s Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas, for his own benefit, even using a corporate credit card to fund approximately $40,000 in expenses for an unsuccessful political campaign.

Also named in the indictment is Raul Garza, a former leader of the Kickapoo tribe, who is alleged to have taken $213,000 in cash withdrawals from the casino and used the casino’s credit cards to purchase two all-terrain vehicles, furniture and household appliances for his personal use. Raul Garza is also alleged to have stolen money from the Kickapoo Community Health Services, the tribe’s health care provider.

Isidro Garza’s son Timeo, a member of the Texas legislature, was also charged in the indictment, as were other members of the Garza family and a local attorney.

The investigation was conducted by ICE in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI, and the Inspector General’s office of the Department of Interior.

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Cornerstone is U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) comprehensive investigative initiative for fighting financial crime, trade fraud and intellectual property crime.

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