An 18-count indictment has been issued by a federal grand jury against a 30-year old Tucson man, accused of embezzling more than $600,000 from Desert Diamond Casino where he worked as a slot floor person. Investigators say it's the largest casino-related theft by an employee in Arizona casino history.

The indictment alleges that Adam Vega created 585 fraudulent jackpot override tickets and submitted them to the casino cage cashier, taking a total of $664,422 from the casino. The embezzlement allegedly occurred between October of 2005 and July of 2007.

“The gaming tribes rely on the integrity of their casino operations to put money back into their local communities,” said U.S. Attorney Diane Humetewa. “This alleged theft hurts the integrity of the system. Hopefully this indictment will send a message that such individuals will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law possible.”

A conviction for Theft by Officer or Employee of Gaming Establishment on Indian Lands carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $1 million fine, or both. A conviction for Attempted Evasion of Assessment and Payment of Federal Individual Income Taxes carries a maximum penalty of 5 years, a $100,000 fine, or both. Vega’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 18.