Casino Security Guard Nabbed at Airport After Attempt to Flee with $31K
A former security guard at Artichoke Joe’s Casino in San Bruno, California, recently made headlines after attempting to flee the country with $31,000 he allegedly stole from the card room. John Villareal, 29, was arrested on July 5 for the theft but was later released on his own recognizance, a decision that has sparked outrage among local authorities.
Details of the Theft
Villareal’s scheme began when he acquired a key to a lockbox from another employee at the casino. The lockbox contained $31,000 in cash. According to police reports, Villareal took the box to a restroom, transferred the money into a duffle bag, and discarded the lockbox in a garbage can. He then returned the key to the employee, perhaps thinking his actions would go unnoticed.
However, the disappearance of the money was quickly noticed, and casino employees reviewed surveillance footage. The footage revealed Villareal’s actions, leading to his arrest by local law enforcement shortly afterward.
Attempted Escape Foiled
Villareal was booked on charges of employee embezzlement, grand theft, and second-degree burglary. Despite the serious nature of these charges, a judge decided to release him on his own recognizance, meaning no bail was set. This decision allowed Villareal to walk free, a move that later led to his attempted escape from the country.
Earlier this week, officers from the San Bruno Police Department apprehended Villareal at the San Francisco International Airport just as he was trying to board a flight to the Philippines. A search revealed he had approximately $10,000 in cash on him at the time of his arrest.
Outrage from the District Attorney
San Mateo District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe expressed his frustration over the judge’s decision to release Villareal without bail. In an interview with the San Francisco Standard, Wagstaffe stated, “Here’s a guy who said, ‘I just stole $31,000, I’ve still got $10,000 of it, and I’m going to the Philippines never to return.’ He’s charged with three felonies, and we [release] him? That wouldn’t have happened a few years ago and that’s the new modern world, and that’s what happened. So, he’s out of custody on his own recognizance. No bail required.”
Wagstaffe’s comments highlight a growing concern among law enforcement and prosecutors nationwide who argue that judges are increasingly releasing criminal defendants without setting bail, potentially jeopardizing public safety.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that Villareal used part of the stolen money to pay bills. Police said he spent approximately $4,000 for this purpose. Additionally, Villareal gave $16,000 to his cousin, who used $3,000 of it to cover their own expenses. The remaining $13,000 is still unaccounted for. Despite the cousin’s involvement, they were not arrested.
Background on Artichoke Joe’s Casino
Artichoke Joe’s Casino, located just west of San Francisco International Airport, has faced its own legal troubles in the past. In 2021, the casino paid a record $5.3 million fine for violating the Bank Secrecy Act. The 51-table card room has been a notable establishment in the area, but incidents like this cast a shadow over its operations.
Conclusion
Villareal’s case underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding the criminal justice system’s handling of bail and pre-trial releases. While the legal proceedings continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate security measures and the critical need for diligent oversight in financial operations within the casino industry.
