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The 87-page indictment from January 2021 to April 2026 was unsealed revealing James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos as the alleged mastermind on the Northwest Indiana operation run primarily out of two restaurants
Chris L. Gerodemos of Sarasota, Florida among those charged
Another defendant lived as far away as Puerto Rico
Agents from the FBI, IRS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection raided Gino's Steakhouse in Merrillville, and Paragon Restaurant in Hobart, both towns in the northwest portion of Indiana, as well as a home in Schererville, Indiana Wednesday morning, hauling away boxes and computer parts.
Prosecutors say what looked like neighborhood businesses were allegedly actually fronts for illegal gambling, money laundering and threats. Both businesses remained shuttered as of Friday.
U.S. Attorney for Northern Indiana Adam L. Mildred announced arrested 22 people not just in Indiana, but also Chicago; Boston; Los Angeles; New York; Sarasota; Florida; Mesa, Arizona; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, after searching seven different Northwest Indiana locations.
The 87-page indictment from January 2021 to April 2026 was unsealed revealing James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos as the alleged mastermind. Dean “Dean Gem” Gialamas is also alleged to have had some control over the business.
22 individuals have so far been indicted. Many of those named in the indictment were arrested Wednesday and have already had hearings and have been released pending trial. Some are said to have been employees of the restaurants.
The other people listed in the indictment are: Chris Gerodemos, Basam “Donny Brasco” Ibrahim, Sanad “Sanad Taka” Ibrahim, Peter “Pete Goodys” Pavlopoulos, Flippo “Gigi” Rovito, Michael “Michael Way Out” Campbell, Ehab “Eddie” Mustafa, Steve Armenta, Samuel Nuzzo, Alexander “Alex Gyros” Gagianas, Gus “Deans Runner” Kaporis, Rami “Rami Straight Flush” Mansour, Nenad “Butch Hunkee” Radoja, Marcus “Vladimir Ganz” Ganz, Paul “Paulie Scarf” Franze, Athena Gerodemos, Elias Gerodemos, James “Jim Macedonian” Strezovski, Andrew “Caesars Andrew” Nguyen and Giuseppe “Joe Polozzo”’ Manzi.
To demonstrate the reach of this operation, defendant Chris L. Gerodemos resides in Sarasota, Florida. He is believed to be the alleged ringleader's son.
Christopher “C.J.” Lazzaro resides in Puerto Rico. He was arrested there on Wednesday. Authorities allege he was involved in bookmaking and/or debt collection activities connected to the operation.
“Through this indictment, the grand jury has alleged that the defendants built an illegal gambling organization that operated both online and in person at two northern Indiana businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “According to the indictment, members of the organization used threats and intimidation to collect on gambling debts. My office bears the burden of proving that the defendants are guilty of these charges, which I am confident we will do. In the meantime, I want to make two points. First, every defendant named in this indictment is entitled to a fair trial by a jury of their peers and is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. And second, like all investigations, this one is continuing. My office will investigate any additional crimes revealed by the evidence and any additional subjects who might have participated in the alleged criminal activity. If you believe that you are a victim of the alleged organization, or if you have any information relevant to it, you are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
“Illegal gambling operations often fuel broader criminal activity and exploit our communities for profit,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI, in partnership with our law enforcement colleagues, is committed to dismantling these criminal networks and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”
According to the indictment, lines of credit were provided so bettors can begin betting immediately. And for those with debt not paid off, prosecutors say the organization threatened them and tracked them down.
The Feds said Thursday they are not done yet and are ‘coming after’ any players not yet charged in NWI gambling ring.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
