This is something our agency will not tolerate,” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin.
“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. We will continue to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to eradicate this blight in our communities.” “These illicit businesses are a breeding ground for drug trafficking, violence and even police corruption.
“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. One of three federal indictments unsealed this morning 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. SANTA ANA, California – 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.
