A former security guard at Artichoke Joe’s Casino in San Bruno, California, John Villareal, 29, attempted to flee to the Philippines after allegedly stealing $31,000 from the card room. Villareal was initially arrested for the theft on July 5, but a judge later released him on his own recognizance, meaning no bail was set in the case.
Attempted Escape Thwarted
Villareal’s plans to escape the country were thwarted by officers from the San Bruno Police Department, who apprehended him at the San Francisco International Airport as he was attempting to board a plane to the Philippines. At the time of his arrest at the airport, Villareal was found carrying about $10,000 in cash.
The arrest occurred after Villareal had been released on his own recognizance by a judge, which means the judge did not set any bail. This decision has sparked outrage among law enforcement and prosecutors who believe that Villareal posed a significant flight risk given the substantial amount of money involved and his apparent attempt to leave the country.
District Attorney’s Outrage
San Mateo District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe did not hide his frustration with the judge’s decision. “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,’” Wagstaffe said in an interview with the San Francisco Standard.
“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.”
This case is part of a broader debate in the legal community, with many law enforcement officials and prosecutors arguing that judges are too often releasing defendants without setting bail, even in cases where the suspects pose a flight risk or have committed serious crimes.
Details of the Alleged Theft
Villareal’s alleged theft began when he obtained a key to a lockbox from another card room employee. The lockbox contained $31,000. Villareal took the lockbox to a restroom, transferred the money into a duffle bag, and disposed of the empty lockbox in a garbage can before returning the key to the employee.
The theft was discovered when the cash did not reach the cashier, prompting a review of the card room’s surveillance footage. The footage allegedly showed Villareal stealing the cash, leading to his arrest by local police.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Villareal has been charged with employee embezzlement, grand theft, and second-degree burglary. The 51-table card room, where the theft took place, is located just west of San Francisco International Airport. If convicted, Villareal could face significant prison time, given the severity of the charges and the amount of money involved.
Financial Aftermath
During the investigation, it was revealed that Villareal had used approximately $4,000 of the stolen money to pay his bills. An additional $16,000 was given to his cousin, who used $3,000 to pay their own bills. The whereabouts of the remaining $13,000 are still unknown. The cousin was not arrested.
The fact that Villareal attempted to flee the country with a significant amount of cash suggests that he was not planning to return. This has raised questions about the judge’s decision to release him without bail, as it appears that Villareal was a clear flight risk.
Previous Issues at Artichoke Joe’s Casino
This incident is not the first time Artichoke Joe’s Casino has been in the news for legal issues. In 2021, the casino paid a record $5.3 million for a violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. This previous issue, combined with the recent theft, highlights ongoing concerns about the casino’s operations and the potential need for increased oversight and regulation.
The case against Villareal is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be. However, the incident has already raised significant questions about the handling of the case by the legal system and the effectiveness of current bail policies. As Villareal awaits trial, the casino and the broader community are left to grapple with the fallout from his alleged actions.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.