Ex-Casino Official Offer Plea Bargain

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the California Press-Enterprise: "A judge offered to sentence a Murrieta man to no more than four years in prison Wednesday if he pleaded guilty in connection with charges that he embezzled almost $500,000 from Pechanga Casino, where he worked as the financial controller.

"Judge James Warren proposed the plea deal to Paul Theodore Del Vacchio, 40, on the condition that he makes full restitution to the casino.

"Del Vacchio's lawyer, John Pozza, said restitution would amount to repaying $499,470.88.

"…Del Vacchio faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of 26 various grand theft, identity and embezzlement felony counts, said Ingrid Wyatt, spokeswoman for the Riverside County district attorney's office.

"During the hearing, Warren said the prosecution had offered Del Vacchio a plea agreement that would have resulted in eight years in prison…"
2006-01-29