By Cathy Locke and Denny Walsh
clocke@sacbee.com
Two people have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than $125,000 from automatic teller machines at the Red Hawk Casino.
Eduardo Ursua Fontillas, 51, whose job was servicing ATM machines at the casino, was arrested Sunday after casino officials, using surveillance cameras, concluded that he was taking money out of the machines and pocketing it.
According to an FBI affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, an internal audit conducted by the casino for the period of May 1 through June 13 showed a $97,000 shortage from the ATMs.
Fontillas had access to the ATMs when servicing them and restocking them with cash.
According to the affidavit, surveillance cameras showed him on several occasions making unusual movements and appearing to place wads of cash in his pockets.
When confronted by law enforcement officers, Fontillas confessed to stealing money and demonstrated how he had removed it from the machines.
According to the affidavit, he told authorities he had taken money from the machines on approximately 125 occasions since early November 2009 and estimated that he had removed more than $125,000 in all.
He consented to a search of his residence and law enforcement officers recovered $46,000.
He told authorities that he also had given between $50,000 and $60,000 to his girlfriend, Rosalina Due Bona, 43.
Steve Dupree, an FBI spokesman, said Bona was arrested late Thursday afternoon at the office of the California Bureau of Gambling Control in Sacramento.
She was booked into Sacramento County Jail. Fontillas remains in custody in El Dorado County Jail in Placerville.
Both are accused of stealing money belonging to an Indian tribal organization.
According to the affidavit, both have written letters of apology to the Red Hawk Casino.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
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