LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities have arrested or cited 22 individuals connected to an illegal gambling operation uncovered last week in South Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department announced.
The arrests followed multiple anonymous tips to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers regarding suspected illegal gambling and narcotics activity at a location in a small shopping plaza at 10122 S. Figueroa St., police said. The plaza houses a laundromat, a tire shop, and a smoke shop, though the specific site of the operation was not disclosed.
Sting Operation
On the evening of Nov. 16, officers from several LAPD divisions executed a search warrant at the location.
“During the search, officers recovered several illegal gambling machines, narcotics, and two firearms,” the LAPD said in a statement.
Seven individuals were arrested and charged with felonies, while 15 others were cited and released for various offenses, including illegal gambling, narcotics possession, and firearms violations.
Arrests and Charges
Those arrested on felony charges include:
- Rafael Casanova, 35
- Noe Cabrera, 30
- Magic Brooks, 39
- Tamarra Johnson, 42
- Dunia Pedromo-Martinez, 36
- Carolyn Serrano, 31
- Mayra Serrano, 34
Fifteen others, cited and released, include:
- Cristian Teutla, 28
- Eddy Martinez, 44
- Laura Villegas, 60
- Nancy Villa, 40
- Miranda Mitchell, 21
- Rosalinda Hammond, 36
- Esther Guardado, 40
- Gerardo Sandoval, 40
- Jose Daniel Lemus, 36
- Danial Haywood, 36
- Liliana Granados, 27
- Bobby Johnson, 43
- Johnny Robinson, 40
- Francisco Arceo Amezquita, 42
- Javier Martinez Alvarado, 35
Photos released by LAPD show dimly lit rooms containing multiple gambling tables, with at least one table located outdoors.
The LAPD is continuing its investigation and is urging anyone with information about this operation or other illegal gambling activities to come forward.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
