Two individuals have been indicted for alleged federal robbery commitments, focusing on casino patrons who had recently won substantial amounts of money.
Article:
Title: South Gate Duo Accused of Armed Casino Robberies
Two men, Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, are facing charges for allegedly robbing casino winners at gunpoint.
The duo is facing a 10-count indictment, with Lopez also facing a charge for possession of a firearm as a felon.
Richard Janvrin, a seasoned writer specializing in sports, sports betting, and online casinos, brings you this latest news from the gambling industry. His journey in casino writing began post the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018.
Related News by Richard Janvrin
Gonzalez and Lopez, residents of South Gate, are accused of a series of armed robberies, primarily targeting casino winners. The indictment includes charges for interference with commerce by robbery, Hobbs Act conspiracy, and multiple counts of using firearms during a crime of violence. Lopez's criminal history includes a prior conviction for grand theft and possession of firearms, which led to the additional charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to the indictment, Gonzalez and Lopez, along with their accomplices, used false identities to single out potential victims who had won or cashed in chips. They would then ambush these individuals on the highway, utilizing guns, shattered car windows, and demands for money or chips.
The group is suspected of robbing or attempting to rob at least 15 victims, including three incidents in a single night. Their heists resulted in the theft of approximately $274,600 in cash, casino chips, and other valuables.
Noteworthy incidents include Lopez celebrating a victim's win at the casino before orchestrating a robbery within an hour, resulting in the theft of $21,000. Another robbery led to the loss of at least $130,000.
If convicted, Gonzalez and Lopez face a potential life sentence in federal prison. The investigation involved several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control, and the Montebello Police Department.
[1] FBI Press Release
[2] LA Times Article
[3] CBS News Report
[4] NBC Los Angeles Article
- Richard Janvrin, a specialist in sports, sports betting, and online casinos, has reported on the Las Vegas incident involving Juan Gabriel Gonzalez and Dereck Nathan Lopez, South Gate residents accused of armed casino robberies.
- The murder charges against Gonzalez and Lopez include several counts related to casino-games, such as interference with commerce by robbery, Hobbs Act conspiracy, and using firearms during a crime of violence.
- In addition to the casino robberies, Lopez faces charges for general-news offenses, including possession of a firearm as a felon, stemming from his prior convictions for grand theft and possession of firearms.
- Despite their alleged involvement in organized crime and justice-related activities, the duo was known for their forays into casino-and-gambling, targeting mostly victims who had won or cashed in chips at various casinos before executing their heists.
