Illegal Gambling Casino: SIU, Patrol, and MCTF Undercover Investigation Shuts It Down
Photo: Scene of alleged gambling
POMONA – The State of California became the latest victim officially named to be affected by an illegal gambling ruse that was recently busted wide open in an undercover sting. The criminal operation, located on 200 Block of North Rebecca Street, revealed the location for what it was, as it operated in an underground fashion while in plain sight.
The breadth and depth of it was revealed when a local property owner placed an urgent call on 04/14/2022, during the noon hour, regarding subjects located in a supposedly-vacant commercial building. Immediate police response arrived just moments after the the subjects had fled through the back door.
During a preliminary search for any remaining suspects, evidence was uncovered – pointing to a possible gambling establishment. The next step brought in the assistance of the Pomona Police Department’s Special Investigation’s Unit (SIU).
“SIU is a specialized unit that typically works undercover,” said Corporal Paul Lucifora of the Pomona Police Department Patrol Division. “The SIU is responsible for conducting major narcotic / gang investigations, as well as fugitive apprehension.”
SIU officers set to work, authoring a search warrant for the commercial location. There, they found a large-scale illegal gambling casino – and seized evidence which involved currency and electronics – then shut it down.
The SIU – assisted by members of the Major Crimes Task Force (MCTF), as well as the Patrol Division – has currently deemed the suspects as “Anonymous” during the ongoing investigation. After all, it isn’t just a matter of the gambling, and its illegal operations.
The problem involves the State of California on many insidious levels, which are highlighted in the multiple damages created when these type of operations plant themselves in the communities. Risks multiply, and costs regarding lives and safety skyrocket.
“The Pomona Police Department has seen an increase in these illegal casinos opening in vacant buildings within the city limits,” said Corporal Lucifora. “These illegal gambling casinos are the source of multiple calls for service including batteries, robberies, and shootings.”
At this point, this CRIME: “330 PC / Operating an Illegal Gambling Casino” affects us all. We need to be mindful of what is attempting to hide in plain sight.
