Investigation Conducted by the Attorney General's Division of Gambling Control Results in Federal Convictions

Friday, June 20, 2003
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer announced that as a result of a year long investigation by the California Department of Justice, Division of Gambling Control, two members of the Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians of Lake County were convicted on charges of theft of funds, conspiracy to steal funds, mail fraud, and wire fraud by the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California. "My office takes seriously the job of ensuring that criminal and corruptive elements are kept out of California's gaming establishments," Lockyer said. "We will continue to keep a close watch on the state's cardrooms and tribal casinos to prevent consumers and businesses from being ripped off."

Yesterday, Curtis F. Anderson, Jr., 56, and Stanley Malicay, 60, both of Nice, California, were both convicted by a federal jury on one count each of several alleged violations. U.S. District Court Judge William H. Alsup presided over the seven day trial which stemmed from a December 4, 2002 indictment by a federal grand jury. Mr. Anderson had served as the Chairperson of the Tribe between 1997 and 1999, and Mr. Malicay served as the Tribe's economic development advisor in 1997 and 1998.

Based on evidence supplied by Special Agents from the Division of Gambling Control, Compliance and Enforcement Section, the U.S. Attorney's Office alleged that Mr. Anderson and Mr. Malicay executed a carefully designed scheme to steal funds from the Tribe. The indictment alleged that Mr. Anderson and Mr. Malicay diverted the Tribe's funds to themselves in 1998 by issuing a $25,000 check from the Tribe's account to a third-party contractor who in turn agreed to make a personal "kick-back" payment to Mr. Anderson and Mr. Malicay after the transaction was complete.

Sentencing of Mr. Anderson and Mr. Malicay is set for September 23, 2003 in San Francisco. The two could face up to five years and a fine of $250,000 for each count of theft of funds and conspiracy to steal funds, and up to 20 years and a fine of $250,000 for each count of mail fraud and wire fraud.

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