Eight people face embezzlement and grand theft charges after allegedly participating over the last three years in a scheme to rig slot machines at the Sho-Ka-Wah Casino in Hopland, according to authorities.

Former casino employee Joan Elizabeth Pickron, 42, of Ukiah, and seven alleged cohorts reportedly embezzled more than $102,000 by "manipulat(ing) jackpot slot machines to cheat the casino," according to state Attorney General's Office spokeswoman Kate Gibbs.

The Mendocino County District Attorney's Office filed a complaint June 28 against Pickron, Alex Ralph Martin, 47, of Ukiah; Teresa Marie Miller, 40, of Clearlake; John Steven Glass Jr., 38, of Ukiah; Mary Ann Moore, age and residence unavailable; Roberta Lynn Reeder, age and residence unavailable; Thomas Jay Williams, age and residence unavailable; and Gloria Marie Nelson, age and residence unavailable.

The complaint alleges the defendants committed 22 counts of embezzlement and grand theft in varying groups at different times between March 2007 and October 2008.

The state Department of Justice's Bureau of Gambling Control began investigating in November 2008, cooperating with the Hopland Commissioned Police and Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, according to Gibbs.

Williams, Nelson, Moore and Reeder turned themselves in July 26 after receiving notices to appear in court a month before, according to Gibbs.

Pickron, Martin and Glass failed to appear, and felony warrants were issued for their arrest.

State Bureau of Gambling Control agents, Hopland tribal officers and Ukiah Police Department detectives found and arrested Pickron, Martin and Glass Aug. 19.

Pickron and Martin posted $15,000 bail each and are due to appear in court Sept. 20. Miller is due in court for arraignment today. Nelson, Reeder, Williams, Moore and Glass are due in court Friday.