Local Casino Winners in LA Area Targeted in Over a Dozen Highway Robberies, According to DOJ

Written by:
Guest
Published on:
May/27/2025

Two South Gate, California men have been federally charged for allegedly committing over a dozen armed robberies targeting casino winners.

Banner V1 - 300x250 - Yellow - White (1).jpg
Now Offering a 100% Welcome Bonus

The suspects, Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21, would scout victims in casinos before ambushing their vehicles on the highway.

Both defendants are charged with multiple counts of interference and attempted interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), one count of Hobbs Act conspiracy, and multiple counts of using firearms during a crime of violence. Lopez is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. 

According to the complaint, the 10-count indictment, Lopez and Gonzalez entered local casinos under false names to hunt gamblers appearing to win or cash-in a large number of chips. Lopez, Gonzalez and other co-conspirators then followed the victims’ vehicles from the casino, ambushed them on the highway, brandished firearms, smashed the vehicle’s windows, demanded money or chips, and fled. Lopez, Gonzalez, and other conspirators allegedly robbed and attempted to rob individuals leaving casinos in this manner on at least 15 different occasions, including three on a single night.

Before one incident, Lopez is seen on casino surveillance video celebrating a gambling victory with a victim he was scouting, including high-fiving the victim after the win, according to court documents. Within an hour, Lopez’s co-conspirators had blocked in her vehicle, brandished firearms, and stolen $21,000 in cash. In a separate incident, Lopez, Gonzalez and their co-conspirators stole at least $130,000 in casino winnings.

Lopez is also charged with being a felon in possession of three firearms and over 30 rounds of ammunition found at his home in December 2023. Lopez is not legally permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition because his criminal history includes a conviction in San Bernardino Superior Court for grand theft in November 2023 during the pendency of the indicted robbery spree.

If convicted, both defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

jagajeet_1.png

Gambling News

The Ultimate Guide to Slot Games You Can Play This Month

Slot machine games have become the top-rated online casino games within the online iGaming industry. What once began as a simple mechanical reel game has evolved drastically into a dynamic, visually rich, and feature-packed digital experience.

Crypto Roulette Leverages Blockchain to Improve Online Casino Gameplay

The online casino industry has seen significant changes in recent years - and one of those thrilling revolutions was the incorporation of blockchain technology. This transformation has brought about a great many changes, but a particularly impressive one is the arrival of crypto roulette.

Syndicate