Feds Hand Down Indictments Over Illegal Southern California CasinosAuthorities Say Illegal Gambling Has Grown During Pandemic |
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The federal government in California announced Wednesday a crackdown on alleged illegal gambling.
According to the presser, an investigation by the Orange County Asian Organized Crime Task Force has resulted in the arrest of seven out of nine defendants charged in three indictments that allege an array of criminal conduct, including drug trafficking, the attempted extortion and subsequent robbery of a small business, bribery of a police officer, and operating illegal casinos.
One of three federal indictments unsealed alleges a string of illegal casinos in Santa Ana and cites a shooting at one of the gambling dens in which an employee was struck in the neck.
“The number of illegal gambling dens has exploded during the pandemic, dramatically
impacting the quality of life in many Orange County neighborhoods,” said United States
Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. “These illicit businesses are a breeding ground for drug trafficking, violence and even police corruption.”
“Illegal gambling locations create an increase in violent crime, adversely impact the quality of life of our communities, and cause disruption to our neighborhoods and our law-abiding business partners. This is something our agency will not tolerate,” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin.
Members of the Task Force arrested five defendants Wednesday, which followed two arrests Tuesday. Authorities continue to search for two defendants.
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