A former Thunder Valley Casino employee is going to prison for 18 months.

Erika Michele Carlton, 38, of Roseville is guilty of embezzling from the tribal government.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, as human resources manager at Thunder Valley in Rocklin  she embezzled and stole up to at least $236,050 in cash and property between Nov. 12, 2006, and March 9, 2011.

Carlton had access to Thunder Valley credit cards and other sources of funds that she could use to buy items for the casino’s employees. For instance, Carlton would use Thunder Valley funds to buy raffle prizes that were given out at employee functions such as Christmas parties. These prizes included gift cards from local merchants, electronics such as televisions, iPods, PlayStations and DVD players, and other consumer goods.

Along with these authorized purchases, Carlton also bought store merchandise and gift cards using Thunder Valley money for her own use.

Once out of prison she will be on three years of supervised release and will have to pay $236,050 in restitution.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report