A cruise ship passenger who funded an extravagant gambling spree with a non-existent chequing account has been sentenced to federal prison in a startling case of maritime fraud.
Casey Mae Luna, 35, from Sacramento, California, embarked on a luxury cruise with a audacious plan. Court documents reveal she presented a fake chequing account slip to the ship's casino, convincing staff to extend her a staggering $10,000 in playing credits.
Her luck at the tables, however, was far better than her luck with the law. Luna proceeded to win over $2.3 million during her illicit gambling session, a sum she immediately set about trying to collect.
The Elusive Payout
The scheme began to unravel when Luna demanded her winnings be paid out. Suspicious casino staff attempted to verify the funds in her account, only to discover the chequing account was a complete fiction. The provided account number was invalid, and the financial institution listed did not exist.
Instead of receiving a multi-million dollar payout, Luna was met by authorities. She was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of wire fraud upon the ship's arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Justice Served in San Juan
Luna faced the consequences of her actions in a Puerto Rican federal court. US District Judge Raúl Arias-Marxuach handed down a sentence of six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The judge also ordered her to pay $10,000 in restitution to the cruise line, the amount she fraudulently obtained.
This case serves as a stark warning that attempting to defraud cruise ship casinos carries severe federal penalties. The US Attorney's Office for the District of Puerto Rico emphasised its commitment to prosecuting such crimes that occur on the high seas but fall under US jurisdiction.
