Minnesota: Jail for Casino Thief, Gambler Asks for Grace
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One woman stole $300k from a casino in Minnesota and is going to prison.
Shawn Marie Luedtke, 54, pleaded guilty to stealing almost $40,000 from the coffers of the Garrison Fire Department in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. She asked for time to return the money to avoid potential prison time.
Grace Luedtke pleaded guilty in April to two felony theft charges. She agreed to pay back $37,283 in stolen funds and $7,175 to a gambling manager. Luingtkes claimed $15,000 would cover the fire department's losses. The judge ordered her to make the full restitution by October 10.
Jennifer Lynn Boutto, 33, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and one year of supervised release for embezzling over $300,000 from Fortune Bay Resort Casino in Tower, Minnesota. She must also return the stolen amount of $315,740 to the casino’s owners.
Boutto embezzled money to pay medical bills and make ends meet. Assistant US Attorney Jordan Sing said Boutto's debts were not tribe's responsibility. Bout to remains free under probationary conditions pending a voluntary surrender date.
