Former Thunder Valley Casino manager pleads guilty to theft | Crime

SACRAMENTO, CA - A Roseville woman has admitted to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the owners of a Rocklin casino, says the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California.

Erika Michele Carlton, 38, was the human resources manager at Thunder Valley Resort and Casino which is owned by the United Auburn Indian Community tribe. Federal prosecutors charged her with using casino credit cards and funds she had access to to purchase items for herself that were intended as prizes and rewards for casino employees. Items such as TVs, iPods and PlayStations that Carlton didn't keep for herself she returned to stores for credit, prosecutors alleged.

The thefts were committed between Nov. 12, 2006 and March 9, 2011, according to court records.

Carlton faces up to 10 years in prison, parole upon release, and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced Nov. 12, said Lauren Horwood, U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman.