Authorities arrested or cited nearly two dozen individuals who were involved in an illegal gambling operation in South Los Angeles last week.
According to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, officials had received multiple anonymous tips to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers regarding a possible illegal gambling operation and narcotics activity at 10122 S. Figueroa St.
The address given by police is a small shopping plaza containing a laundromat, a tire store and a smoke shop, among other businesses. The exact location within the plaza where the illegal operation was based was not disclosed.
Authorities conducted their sting operation on Thursday evening at 8 p.m. when 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,” LAPD stated. “As a result of the operation, individuals were arrested or cited for various offenses, including illegal gambling, narcotics possession and firearms violations.”
A total of 22 people were arrested or cited, all of whom are Los Angeles residents, police said.
The following individuals were arrested and charged with felonies:
- Rafael Casanova, 35
- Noe Cabrera, 30
- Magic Brooks, 39
- Tamarra Johnson, 42
- Dunia Pedromo-Martinez, 36
- Carolyn Serrano, 31
- Mayra Serrano, 34
LAPD stated that 15 others were cited and released:
- 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 the department show multiple gambling tables in a dimly lit room. At least one of the tables was located outdoors.
Anyone with more information on the illegal gambling operation — or any illegal gambling operation — is encouraged to contact the LAPD.
To submit an anonymous tip, call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or go to the Crime Stoppers website.
