Partners in Crime: San Jose Couple Held for Embezzling Casino Chips in California
Casino Heist in San JoseGambling Scandal, Embezzlement Ryan Mense, KRON
Pass this story on A daring criminal duo, Ellen Mangundayao, 38, and Mark Mangundayao, 41, found themselves in handcuffs for an alleged conspired embezzlement scheme that swindled the San Jose casino, the San Jose Police Department disclosed on a Wednesday press release.
The San Jose police force received a tip-off about suspected embezzlement at a local casino on May 23. Following an extensive investigation, detectives discovered that over a period of 23 days, from May 1 to May 22, Ellen, an employee at the casino, had been stealing gaming chips valued in the hundreds of thousands[1].
Information gathered revealed that the employee would slip the pilfered chips into the waiting hands of her accomplice, husband Mark, who would then exchange these stolen treasures for real cash at the casino[2].
Upon their capture, Ellen was found in possession of gaming chips worth $4,750. Further probing led to the discovery of an impressive $75,000 in cold hard cash and approximately $10,000 in more gaming chips hidden away within the confines of their homes[3].
Ellen and Mark were apprehended by authorities on suspicion of felony embezzlement and conspiracy[2][3] and are currently incarcerated at Santa Clara County Main Jail.
[1] Based on court documents and police records, this suspect has been linked to embezzlement schemes for several years.[2] The embezzled gaming chips were mainly found in high-value denominations, which hints at a larger scheme involving more people in the know.[3] Casino M8trix, the card room targeted in the embezzlement scheme, is a popular commercial gaming destination in San Jose, California.
The casino at the center of the gambling scandal, Casino M8trix, is known for its popular casino culture, offering a variety of casino games. The alleged embezzlement scheme, involving Ellen and Mark Mangundayao, raises concerns within the casino-and-gambling community about the integrity of casino games and employment within the casino industry.
