Katie Jo Tice

On or about December 13, 2025, a Mille Lacs Tribal Police Officer responded to a reported ticket theft at the Grand Casino in Onamia, Minnesota, Mille Lacs County. The value of the stolen ticket was reported to be approximately $2,200. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with P. J. P., who explained that she had deposited approximately $2,000 in a casino machine. She was then playing the machine when she won a “hand pay.” After receiving her “hand pay” winnings from casino staff, P. J. P. Pressed the “cash-out” button on the machine and took her ticket.

However, she did not realize her “cash-out” ticket was for less than the full balance of her funds. P. J. P. Believed the remaining balance in the machine was approximately $2,200. According to casino staff, security footage showed P. J. P. Leaving the machine and, a short time later, KATIE JO TICE [DOB REDACTED] arriving at the same machine. Security staff advised that TICE had removed the balance of P. J. P.’s funds in the form of an “IVS ticket” worth $2,336.56, then played down the value of the ticket to $2,294.40. About an hour later, the footage showed TICE meeting J. L. B. In an elevator and handing the ticket to J. L. B., who then exchanged the ticket for cash at the cashier’s counter.

The officer later reviewed the casino security footage, confirming this sequence of events. Security staff advised the officer that TICE was staying at the casino hotel and provided her room number. The officer responded to the hotel room and spoke with TICE, who acknowledged finding a ticket and taking it, but claimed that J. L. B. Had stated the ticket was hers. TICE further stated she would contact J. L. B. To return the money and attempted to send J. L. B. A text message. TICE stated that, if J. L. B. Was unable to return the money, she would contact a friend to borrow the money to pay back P. J. P. TICE claimed she had been unaware that the funds belonged to anyone other than J. L. B. The officer advised TICE that P. J. P. Would be at the casino until the next day and asked if TICE could have the funds returned by that time.

TICE agreed to return the funds no later than the next day. That evening, the officer spoke with TICE by phone. TICE stated she was in the process of obtaining money to pay back P. J. P. And would return to the casino shortly. The officer attempted to call J. L. B. On the number TICE had provided, but was unsuccessful. During the officer’s next shift, he attempted to contact TICE multiple times, but was unable to reach her. He also again called J. L. B., but was unsuccessful. On December 15th, the officer was advised that law enforcement had detained J. L. B. The officer subsequently spoke with J. L. B. After providing a Miranda warning.

The officer advised J. L. B. That P. J. P. Only wanted her money back and did not want to press charges. J. L. B. Claimed that, prior to December 13th, TICE had owed her $200. On that day, according to J. L. B., TICE called her from the casino, saying she had the money she owed. J. L. B. Stated that she arrived at the casino, got the ticket from TICE, and cashed it out because TICE did not have an ID. The officer responded that, according to TICE, J. L. B. Had said the ticket belonged to her (J. L. B.). J. L. B. Denied this and claimed she kept only $200 from the cashout, giving the balance of the funds back to TICE. J. L. B. Claimed to have only $100 remaining of the $200 cash she kept from P. J. P.’s ticket.