Former Casino Employee Sentenced in Theft of More Than 100K

MICHIGAN – In western Michigan, a significant case of theft from a tribal casino has culminated in a criminal conviction. Jordan Lewis Cook, a 26-year-old former employee of Gun Lake Casino, was sentenced to four months in prison and two years of supervised release. Cook was also ordered to repay $84,564 in restitution. This punishment follows his theft of over $100,000 from the casino, a property owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark Totten, disclosed that Cook’s criminal activities spanned from September 2021 to November 2022. During this period, Cook exploited his position at the casino to execute his theft. Surveillance footage and bank records were pivotal in uncovering Cook’s scheme. The footage revealed that Cook began stealing cash shortly after his employment began, primarily targeting the cash-out kiosks designated for clearing jammed machines. This action was corroborated by a notable increase in cash deposits in Cook’s bank accounts around the same time.

Cheyvoryea Gibson, the FBI’s special agent in charge in Michigan, expressed grave concern about Cook’s actions, stating that his theft and fraud against the tribal community were disturbing. The case was jointly investigated by the Gun Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI, underscoring the collaborative efforts in policing tribal lands.

Seth Carter, Gun Lake Tribe Interim Director of Public Safety, reaffirmed the tribe’s dedication to ensuring safety and well-being within its jurisdiction. He highlighted the tribe’s appreciation for the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement, emphasizing the tribe’s commitment to building a safe community through comprehensive law enforcement and support services.

Gun Lake Casino, opened in February 2011 after overcoming numerous legal challenges, is currently in the midst of a significant expansion. The facility, located along U.S. 131, has undergone substantial investment since its inception, including a $100 million expansion completed in September 2021 that added 228,000 square feet. A further $300 million expansion, which includes a 15-story hotel and an “aquadome,” is expected to be completed by spring 2025. Additionally, the tribe secured a $56 million federal loan for water infrastructure upgrades to support the casino expansion and broader development plans in the area.

The casino, boasting over 2,500 slot machines, plays a crucial role in the region’s economy. It is situated approximately 20 miles south of Grand Rapids.

As part of his job, Cook was tasked with clearing out jammed currency in the cash-out machines used by casino players. The thefts, occurring at least 32 times over 14 months, ranged from $272 to $9,040 per incident. The discrepancy was discovered during an internal audit, and Cook was captured in surveillance footage removing the cash. His subsequent arrest in March highlighted the severity of stealing from an Indian Tribal organization.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Lane emphasized Cook’s breach of trust in her court documents. U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of prosecuting crimes on tribal lands to protect tribal businesses.

“Together we will hold criminals accountable for their wrongdoing,” Totten said in a statement.